@ Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Palace of Auburn Hills TV: FSN Detroit ---------------------- Probable Starters: Eric Snow/Chauncey Billups Aaron McKie/Richard Hamilton Kenny Thomas/Teyshawn Prince Derrick Coleman/Ben Wallace Todd MacColluch/Elden Campbell ---------------------------------- Injury Report: Sixers: G Iverson (knee) F Robinson (ankle); C Todd MacCulloch (foot); F Monty Williams (knee). Pistons G Lindsey Hunter (knee); G Hubert Davis (thumb); F Darvin Ham (wrist). Pistons- G Lindsey Hunter (knee) G Hubert Davis (thumb); F Darvin Ham (wrist). ------------------------- Keys to the game: Sixers- Allen Iverson is out of today's lineup which means Philly's bench has to step up tonight and make things happen for their team. And Aaron McKie will be the main guy that'll have to score points to keep his team in the ballgame. Also, look for Eric Snow to make good decisions with the basketball and dish out to his teammates. He always tries to get his teammates involved early than shooting, so he'll be sure to keep his teammates happy. He ranks #6 in the NBA in assists, (137.0) and #8 in assists per game. (6.5) I like Kenny Thomas in this game. He matches up well against Teyshawn Prince, and if you compare their two stats together in points and rebounds, Thomas is better. So I see Kenny having his way tonight. Todd MacColluch is back remember him? A 7'0" center that'll definitely bring a good game in the low post. Pistons- To me, this team is the beast of the East. Chauncey Billups, once a journeyman that played for five teams is now making a home in Detroit. And his numbers speak for themselves. 19.9 ppg, 3.70 rpg, and 5.5 apg. Billups should be able to have a decent game but he should be able to dish the ball off more since he is shooting 38%. Richard Hamilton also should be able to drive to the basket, create contact, and go to the FT line a majority of the time. It's one of the things he likes to do best. Ben Wallace? Well Philly will feel his defensive presence inside. Look for Ben to hang out in the post, and wait for defenders to come his way, so that he can block the shot attempts. My Prediction: Since Philly lost Iverson which is their main threat, they go down in the Palace.
