We played a bunch of guys on ten day contracts, and still had a hard time winning a game. At least until Flip finally decided to pair Stuckey and Afflalo up in the 2nd half. Pretty easy after that. As good as Stuckey and Billups are individually, together they seldom do much.
Hunter played again. Another absolute zero on offense from him. Another conditining game for him. Good thing it was just Miami.

Amir played plenty, and even got to take few shots, all around the basket. One went in. One was close. Two looked not so good. He needs a ton of gametime shots to get back to where he was before sitting so long. Still nice to at least watch him play D.

Afflalo not only started this one, he got starters mintues. He tied Maxiell with 15 points for game high. One or two jumpers made and the rest going inside. Anyone want to bad mouth his offensive game tonight. Those who do just have not seen Afflalo play enough yet. Good solid D too. He checked Davis quite well.

Stuckey did not do that great, but he did can another couple of shots. But nothing inside today - against Miami?

On getting ready for the playoffs: All four of our key young players played. Check. We still did not replace Hayes at backup small forward, so Tay ended up playing a lot of miutes in this meaningless game against an opponent that should not be allowed in the gym with us. Very much unchecked.

Sheed and Billups hit a few shots. Dyess got to the line a lot, which is helpful toward a win. Nice if he would make some, but really he should be getting several days off instead.

Tay played a lot. Did not do much except hit an occasional jumper.
Hayes did not score. Still a mystery why a guy we picked up for a no risk look, and who can't play D, is still in our rotation.

This was a good win. Played our youth. Rested Rip. Did not overplay most the starters. Hunter got revved up a bit.

Herrmann got in for a bit of GT, and made a nice reverse. Theo got the night off. Hamilton was listed as questionable and then did not dress. Dixon did not dress either, which is why Herrmann was activated.
I will say this once more. If we go with a rotation based chiefly on the following eight players, we will win it all:

Billups, Stuckey, Rip, Afflalo, Tay, Amir, JMAX, Sheed.

And tonights game helped us prepare toward this.

Dyess and Theo are extra bigs for if we go up against a truly large player like Shaq or Howard.

Hunter gives a bit of added depth at guard for a quick minute or two of defensive work. Samb should be the 12th guy. One more shotblocker in the mix can't hurt.

This leaves Dixon, Hayes, and Herrmann out of the picture.

Thats my opinion. Whats yours?

GO PISTONS!!!!!