Tipoff Time: Detroit Pistons Open Against Miami Heat

Tonight's the night—the Detroit Pistons look to begin their quest for a title with a win over the Miami Heat. 

The good: No Dwyane Wade.

The bad: No Richard Hamilton.

Wade is still recovering from a shoulder injury and, as of today, Rip is dealing with an issue regarding his child.

The Heat will likely start Jason Williams, Anfernee Hardaway (yes, that Anfernee Hardaway), Ricky Davis, Udonis Haslem, and Shaquille O'Neal.

The Pistons will counter with Chauncey Billups, Aaron Afflalo, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, and Antonio McDyess.

Chauncey and Tayshaun both need to have good games for the Pistons to come out on top. I think they will, considering the matchup.

The Pistons will need to use a rotation of bigs to contain Shaq, who should be in fairly good shape at the beginning of the season. Off the bench for the Pistons will be Flip Murray, Jarvis Hayes, Amir Johnson, and Jason Maxiell.

I think Amir will have a good game, as he can run on Miami's bigs. Also, Arron Afflalo will have his chance to shine, getting the nod over Flip.

For the Heat, Smush Parker, Dorrell Wright, and Alonzo Mourning will come off the bench and play quality minutes. Smush and J-Will play defense as well as I do, so Chauncey will have some big opportunities.

Although this game will be close, it will be more of a spectacle later in the year when Wade and Rip are back, and Wade and Ricky D have had a chance to mesh (or fight for the ball).

Predictions:

Pistons 99, Miami 91

Chauncey with 31 and 6 assists

Amir 17 and 8

Ricky Davis 22

Shaq 28 and 14