Boston Celtics

Now that the wonderful series against the Cavs is behind us, we can concentrate on what is ahead, the mighty, rested Detroit Pistons. The Pistons have not played a game for over a week. Off course there are pluses and minuses for the long rest over, the most dominate being that Chauncy Billups overcame his hamstring injury. The Celtics have a lot of hard work ahead of them, and for them to overcome the experienced Pistons, certain players have to pick up their game.

Point guard: Chauncy Billups is a far better defender than Delonte West, Rondo will have a hard time penetrating against Billups' one on one defense. On offense, Billups will take Rondo down into the post, he can score against him fairly easily and if double teamed he can pass it out to the open shooter for a three pointer. The bigger Eddie House and the more experienced Sam Cassel will get a lot more playing time and we will certainly see some of the bigger Celtics guards (Posey and Pierce) guarding the strong Pistons point guard.

Shooting guard: Ray Allen did not show up for the series against Cleveland. It seems like he has lost all his confidence in his outside shot. In game 7 against the Cavs, he even missed some wide open looks. Detroits' shooting guards are better defenders than those of the Cavs. The Celtics have to run some plays and curls to give Allen some open looks and hopefully he will regain his confidence and shooting touch. The defense on Hamilton will surely tier Allen down. RIP is well rested and in excellent shape, he runs, comes of picks and out lasts his defender. Allen will have a hard time guarding him, look very Eddie House and James Posey to do most of the D on Hamilton.

Small forward: Pierce was wonderful in game 7, and look for him to continue his excellent play in the series against the Pistons. Prince is a very good defender, possibly the best in the small forward position. But, Pierce is such a versatile player, he will surely take him down to post and do most of his scoring inside.

Power forward: This is the best match up on the floor. Both Garnett and Wallace are very similar; long players, efficient post up moves and excellent outside shooter. I think KG does have the edge, he is quicker and a better defender. Look for Detroit to mix up the D on KG, Jason Maxeill and Antonio McDyess will give coach Saunders different styles of play against the talented Garnett.

Center: Both teams don't really have a dominate center. The starting centers: Perkins and McDyess are more like Power Forwards playing out of position. No team has an advantage at this position, a lot depends on the big men coming of the bench. Both coaches do not look for scoring from their centers, they get their playing time from good defense, rebounding and hustle plays on both sides of the court.

I think the Pistons have a slight edge over Boston, mainly because of their more dominate Guards. Surely, it will be an exciting series. My prediction, Detroit winning game 7 in Boston and advancing to the NBA Finals.