Pistons-Celtics: Beasts of the East Once More

It looks like the 1987-88 season in the Eastern Conference.

That was the last time Boston and Detroit held the two best records in the East.

Neither team won the championship that year—but Magic, Kareem, and James Worthy won't be rejoining the Lakers anytime soon.

Unless one or both of teams lose a key guy to injury, we'll most likely see them in the Eastern Conference Finals.



Though Boston is off to a hot start, it's nowhere near time to start writing off the Pistons.

Detroit has been through every situation in the playoffs—from resounding Game Seven wins to heartbreaking Game Seven losses.

Boston has yet to face any of those situations. Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett have yet to face any of those situations together.

So where's the love for Detroit?

Since the loss of Ben Wallace, it seems like the Pistons don't get as much respect as they used to

Are you serious?

Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and Rasheed Wallace are the main guys for Detroit—and Antonio McDyess, Jason Maxiell, Jarvis Hayes, Flip Murray, and even rookie Arron Afflalo play vital roles in the Pistons offense.

The team recently added more depth by landing big men Walter Hermann and Primoz Brezec via trade.

Next to Phoenix, the Pistons have the second-best starting five in the league.

They're currently 17-7.

 

As for the Celtics—what they've done so far has been impressive...but I'm not ready to proclaim them the "BEASTS of the EAST" just yet.

In fairness, I thought these guys were overrated before the start of the season, but they've proved me wrong, especially on the defensive end.

Their defense only allows 86 PPG, and they've won nine straight games en route to a 20-2 record.

The Big Three, meanwhile,  are living up to their preseason expectations.

Kevin Garnett has been the difference maker, and the team's MVP. Although he's the third-leading scorer on the team, his rebounding and defense have been key.

Ray Allen has been the man in the clutch, with game-winning shots in Toronto and Charlotte.

Paul Pierce is the go-to guy on offense, and leads the team in scoring.

However, the C's will have a lot to eat Wednesday when they get their first true test in Beantown against the Pistons.



Matchup Predictions

The point guard matchup between Billups and Rajon Rondo will be a tough one for the Celtics' youngster.

Like Deron Williams or Jason Kidd, Billups presents matchup problems because of his size. Billups will also have the advantage on the defensive end.

Rasheed Wallace vs. Kevin Garnett will be the best matchup in the game.  Both of these guys will try to put pressure each other on the defensive side of the ball.

I give the edge to Garnett because he's more likely to produce on offense.

Richard Hamilton is an underrated defender, and will have some success guarding Ray Allen. Each player will have to battle to keep pace with the other. Hamilton gets the edge.

Tayshaun Prince will have the pleasure of guarding Paul Pierce.

Prince is the Pistons' best one-on-one defender, and could potentially give Pierce some trouble. That said, he won't shut Pierce down completely, which is why I like Pierce to win this matchup.

Not really sure about the Antonio McDyess-Kendrick Perkins pairing.

Perkins only averages seven PPG, and will probably take five to six shots. McDyess averages 10 PPG, and will produce more on offense than Perkins. He's also the better rebounder.

I like McDyess in this matchup, although it is really isn't that important.



The Bench

Boston's bench has looked pretty good behind Eddie House and James Posey. House is a great shooter, and is dangerous when left open.

Glen Davis is also a key reserve, and in my opinion should be a starter.

Detroit's bench is filled with guys who can score ball.

Jarvis Hayes, Jason Maxiell, and Flip Murray are great complements to Detroit's starting five.

The Pistons win the battle of the bench.



Final Score: Pistons 90, Celtics 87

Although the Celts are undefeated at home, Detroit will be their first true test in the Boston Garden.

If this game does go down to the wire, Billups, Hamilton, and Wallace  will be too much in the clutch.