Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 Preview: Indiana and Detroit

<div align="center"><u><font size="6"><font color="blue">Eastern Conference Finals</font></font></u></div>
<div align="center"><u><font size="6"><font color="#0000ff">Game 2</font></font></u></div>


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<div align="center">Time: 8:00pm EST</div>
<div align="center">Place: Conseco Field House</div>
<div align="center">Tv: TNT, RSN</div>
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<div align="center"><u><font size="5">Probable Starting Lineups:</font></u></div>


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<div align="center">Chauncy Billups/Jamaal Tinsley</div>

<div align="center">Jamaal Tinsley's defensive play on opposing point guards has been a major weakness for Indiana. Chauncy scored 18 points to further solidify that fact. Jamaal had a nice game with 13 points and 5 dimes but he needs to learn how to move his feet on defence. Chauncy is no Dwayne Wade but he is still capable of puttin up major numbers especially if Jamaal "The black hole on defence" Tinsley is guarding him. </div>

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<div align="center">Rip Hamilton AKA. Jar Jar Binks/Reggie Miller</div>

<div align="center">I like to call this matchup Alien Vs. Predator. We saw a lot Reggie Miller on Rip Hamilton and if Carlisle wants to keep going with that matchup he might as well hand the series to Detroit. Rip Hamilton is a major reason why the Pistons are still alive in the playoffs and he has been using the playoffs as his "coming out" party but still no one seems to notice. Have to give props to Uncle Reg for hitting his one shot out of seven to put the game away. You still cannot leave that man open especially late in games. Hopefully Carlisle can mix-up the offense and give Reggie better looks because 1 for 7 just does not cut it for a starting shooting guard, especially one of his calibre.</div>

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<div align="center">Tayshaun Prince/Ron Artest</div>

<div align="left">We saw Ron Artest guarding Tayshaun for most of the game holding him to 9 points. There has to be a point when Carlisle put Ron Ron on Rip because essentially you want to have your best defender on the opposing teams best scorer. Prince hit a very clutch three late in the game but other than that he was a non-factor for most of the game. Ron Artest put up another solid game on homecourt with 17 points and 7 boards. Carlisle has to figure out a way to get Artest to guard Rip while having someone else guard Tayshaun effectively<font size="1">(Al Harrington or Jonathan Bender anyone??)</font></div>

<div align="center"><font size="4"><font color="#ff0000">Key</font></font><font size="4"><font color="red">Matchup</font></font></div>
<div align="center">Ben Wallace/Jermaine O'neal</div>

<div align="center">A great matchup that only true fans would appreciate. The defensive monster against the offensive juggernaut. I though Wallace defended JO pretty decently but there still could be some room for improvement. Big Ben grabbed a whopping 22 boards that game while scoring 11 points. Is it me or is Ben's offense coming together for the playoffs? I know most of his shots come inside but if you get 12-14 a game from him it would be tremendous for Detroit.</div>

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<div align="center">Rasheed Wallace/Jeff Foster</div>

<div align="center">Rasheed stank up the Conseco fieldhouse with his terrible shooting. He was hampered by foul trouble for some part of the game but a seven footer of his talent shooting 1 for 7 is not acceptable. Jeff Foster did a nice job on him and he did the small things on the court to win the game for Indiana. Next to Rip Hamilton, Jeff Foster may be the most slept on player in the playoffs.</div>

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<div align="center"><u><font size="5">Bench Players</font></u></div>

<div align="center"><font color="blue">Det</font><font color="red">roit</font></div>

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<div align="center">Detroit's bench has to score more than 9 points combined for the Pistons to advance. Corliss was pretty horrible as was everyone else that came off the bench. Very uncharacteristic for them to play this poorly so I would look to see them come out in game 2 and attack Indiana.</div>

<div align="center"><font color="blue">Indiana </font></div>

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<div align="center">Al Harrington sparked the Pacers in the first half with 14 points but went quiet the rest of the game. He was hampered by an injured back but that is no excuse for his play throughout the playoffs <font size="1">(horrible if you ask me).</font> I'm going to start a petition to give Bender more minutes for the rest of the series. I know he fouls to frequently but if he has consistent time on the floor he should get into a nice groove and create some good matchups in Indy's favour.</div>

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<u><font size="5">Keys to the Game:</font></u>


Detroit
<ul>
[*]The Bench has to pick up their skirts for game 2. Scoring a total of 9 points is not going to cut it if they want to beat the Pacers much less any other team..
[*]Detroit is not going to win much games with Rasheed playing the way he is. The reason they brought him to Detroit in the first place was for the playoffs. He has to figure out Jeff Foster or kiss this series bye bye.
[*]Keep attacking Reggie Miller on the offensive end. He can't check Rip Hamilton much less anyone else on that team. If Carlisle keeps Reg on Rip, ATTACK!!
[/list]Indiana
<ul>
[*]Artest has to keep on attacking the Detroit Pistons defense. Prince does create a little matchup problem for him due to his height but Artest is 10x stronger than him. Indiana needs 17-20 points from Artest to be successful.
[*]Keep going to JO and work inside out. Even though you have Big Ben on you, you still have to attack using your Franchise player. JO did miss a lot of shots he usually makes in the last game so I expect him to be solid for game 2.
[*]The most important key to this game: PLAY DEFENCE!! Have some pride when someone scores on you. You can't rely on Uncle Reg to bail you out every time. The Pacers are a good defensive team and I don't think we have seen their defensive potential yet in this playoffs.
[/list]<u><font size="5"><font color="blue">CourtVisions Prediction.....</font></font></u>

Indiana 80-78. Every game is going to be a nail biter and this one is no different. Indiana has to keep their home court advantage because they are not so good away. Look for Wallace to break out with 20 and 10 the next game. I can also see more than 15 minutes going to Bender as well.

 

The guard play will determine the outcome of the series. I'm betting on the Pacers if Jermaine O'Neal can outplay Rasheed night in, night out. Reggie Miller should try to run off as many picks as possible to try and wear out Rip Hamilton. It'll be fun to watch both the players and coaches go at it.

Pacers in 6.

 

Hey what happened to Pollard?

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">Hey what happened to Pollard?</div>
Pollard's there, just not enough playing time for him. Foster simply outworked him.

 

With the big frontline of the pistons, im sure that the pacers are going to get him some minutes.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Kareem.02:</div><div class="quote_post">With the big frontline of the pistons, im sure that the pacers are going to get him some minutes.</div>
I don't think so. The Pacers would most likely have O'Neal and Foster rotating at center, and O'Neal/Harrington/Croshere at power forward. Barring inconsistent play, Pollard won't get more than 10 minutes in any game.

 

I know, but i read it in INDYstar, and I just wanted to say it.

 

God damn. Did Reggie ever miss a crucial game-deciding shot?

 

Both Ben Wallace and Jermaine O'Neal had big games, they're teams will need them to play well if they are to win games in this series. The Pistons shot considerably better in their FG%, but a horrible second quarter was what was the difference in the end. This was a very even match, and it could of gone either way. But Reggie saved the Pacers again with a tiebreaking 3 with 31 seconds remaining. This should be an even series throughout.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- <u><font color="#0000ff">Reggie Miller</font></u> did what Reggie Miller does.

After missing his first six shots, Miller drilled a 3-pointer with 31.7 seconds left to break the game's final tie and lead Indiana past Detroit 78-74 Saturday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

``You knew it was coming,'' Indiana's <u><font color="#0000ff">Jermaine O'Neal</font></u> said. ``He's going to make one big-time shot, and he thrives on the biggest shot.''

Miller's 13-year career has been marked by his clutch shooting, particularly in the playoffs and often from 3-point range.

Fans of the <u><font color="#0000ff">New York Knicks</font></u> and <u><font color="#0000ff">New Jersey Nets</font></u> have seen him make several devastating 3s, and now the folks in Detroit have experienced that same sickening Miller Time feeling.

``When he shot it, I pretty much knew he was going to make it,'' said Detroit's <u><font color="#0000ff">Richard Hamilton</font></u>, who was defending Miller on the play. ``The guy's been making those shots all his career.''

With the score tied at 74, Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal missed a difficult turnaround jumper from the left baseline. <u><font color="#0000ff">Jeff Foster</font></u> tipped the rebound to a teammate, and the Pacers had another chance.
Miller popped free off a screen set by Foster, took a pass from <u><font color="#0000ff">Jamaal Tinsley</font></u> and buried his 3 to make it 77-74. </div>
<div align="center"><u>Full Recap</u></div>

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">Pollard's there, just not enough playing time for him. Foster simply outworked him.</div>

Dang, I've always heard good things about Pollard being a hardworker on defense and being a decent shotblocker. I guess Foster has more athleticism and hustle on D and he's a cool dunker.

 

Pollard just fit better in the King's type of offense. I don't think he fits in with the Pacers at all, especially with his wild type of behaviour.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting v_carter15:</div><div class="quote_post">Pollard just fit better in the King's type of offense. I don't think he fits in with the Pacers at all, especially with his wild type of behaviour.</div>
Yeah. Rick Carlisle prefers the kind of players who keep themselves out of the spotlight (at least that's what I think)

On the win, it was very crucial for the Pacers to take Game 1. Reggie Miller came up big right on time. MILLER TIME!!!!

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">Dang, I've always heard good things about Pollard being a hardworker on defense and being a decent shotblocker. I guess Foster has more athleticism and hustle on D and he's a cool dunker.</div>
Actually Foster is one of the more underrated defenders in the League. He has good footwork and did a good job of defending Lamar Odom in the last series.

 

whew, good game. if this is an indication of things to come, this'll go 7 games easy.

Pistons broke down mentally at the end.

Jeff Foster got a clutch layup, and SHeed/Rip turned their heads while Reggie got a wide open three attempt. Credit Miller for being clutch as always. Then Rip's three to tie rattles in and out....and Sheed jacks up a rushed three when we had a few seconds to get a better shot.

Turnovers killed the Pistons last night. We should have rode Chauncey until he put up 25+. We shot unnecessary three pointers (a reason we lost a game to the Bucks). i'm fully confident that Larry Brown will make the necessary adjustments, like he's done all during the palyoffs.

ah well, on to Game 2. if the Pistons can steal game 2 in Indy, i really like our chances.

 

The Pistons will win Game 2........j/p(Rasheed).Man Reggie lives for clutch shots,Rip should have called a switch on that last shot though,they would have at least been able to contest the shot.Sheed should be motivated and he should put up a better performance Jeff Foster is a hard working player but Rasheed should have an advantage on him.

Commentators say that the Pacers are so good because their bech has so much dept,I agree and think as long as the Pacers bench plays solid the Pacers will have an advantage,because they bring the energy into the game.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting iamme:</div><div class="quote_post">We should have rode Chauncey until he put up 25+. We shot unnecessary three pointers (a reason we lost a game to the Bucks). </div>

I'm sorry, Which Piston are you?

Anyway, I know this is going to be a good series, but I doubt pistons win game 2. Sheed will have a big game but it wont be enough. Pacers by 5 on account of free throws at the end.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting v_carter15:</div><div class="quote_post">Pollard just fit better in the King's type of offense. I don't think he fits in with the Pacers at all, especially with his wild type of behaviour.</div>

Why did they make the trade again? Brad Miller just wasn't fitting or they didn't want to keep that contract of his?

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllBoutDaPacers:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm sorry, Which Piston are you?

Anyway, I know this is going to be a good series, but I doubt pistons win game 2. Sheed will have a big game but it wont be enough. Pacers by 5 on account of free throws at the end.</div>
are you referring to me using "we" to describe the Pistons? you've never heard of anyone say "we" to describe their hometeam?

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">Why did they make the trade again? Brad Miller just wasn't fitting or they didn't want to keep that contract of his?</div>
Brad Miller was a free agent and he would have left had he not been re-signed by the Pacers. The Pacers were locked for cap space since they were going to re-sign Jermaine O'Neal as well.