Game #1 of the East Conf finals features the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Palace

time: 8PM
tv: TNT
radio: WDFN - Blaha is taking over for Mark Champion from here on out.

Pistons tie a franchise record 5 straight trips to the Finals and are the 1st team to get here 5 straight times since the Bulls 1990-94

This is the Cavs 1st trip to the Conf Finals since 1992 when they lost to the Bulls 4-2. They have never been to the Finals.

Injuries: none

Five straight trips to the conference finals. That is really something. But the team and the fans want that 'ship for sure. I don't think Cleveland matches up well with Detroit at all and I like the Pistons in Game 1 and the series. This LeBron-led team is about as good as the Jordan-led teams that the Pistons beat up on in the mid 80s in my view. I worry a little about Cleveland's rebounding as Gooden and Z are averaging nearly 10 a game each. Ultimately, I don't think the Cavs' offense is potent at all. They got a much easier route to the ECF. I hope the Pistons give them their comeuppance.

__________________
"I don't believe there's any problem in this country, no matter how tough it is, that Americans, when they roll up their sleeves, can't completely ignore. - George Carlin

In the regular season, we only achieved 3 more victories than the Cavs. And we all know how important the regular season is..........
Still, I expect this series to go 6-7 games, with the Cav's showing emphasis on defense and rebounding. The Pistons will continue to frustrate and be inconsistent. My hope is that we take the first two at home. I think that the Cavs see us as vulnerable in game 1........

Go Pistons !!!!!!!!

We have to make Le Bron go left. We need to have guys coming from different angles to stifle the drive. We may want to trap him to give up the ball. We should run at him a bit aggressively so that he can't dribble, dribble, dribble and do that quick pull up jumper.

Their second option is Isgauskis. We gave him too much P.J. Brown room in the regular season. His jumper can be contained. The other guys you have to just pay attention too. Pavlovik is agressive but will get out of control under pressure. But their shooters need space and are not like Gordon.

They will try and beat us with defense and Le Bron at the line. If we use Tay from a variety of spots, they will have a hard time locking into our offense. Sheed should take more looks from the free throw line (like in game 6 Chicago) area and not just the three. They want to lock into our defense so we have to stay ahead of the curve and not be predictable.

We should keep Webber and Dyss on the move to take advantage of Isguaskis slowness of foot. I would like to see the ball come back to Chauncey or out to Prince as they pack it in. They should be wide open.

I had a nice get together this afternoon with some friends who said that the Pistons were done after the loss to the Heat last year.

What a nice time I had today. I don`t know how many folk delivered the eulogy for the Pistons after last years dissapointing post season and Ben`s departure.

Of course my friends didn`t have too much to say, offering the injury excuse, and the "they still will not win it all" reply. I just laughed it off and reminded them, if anyone was done it was the Miami Heat.

There were several Heat fans at this gathering.

Game 1 here is huge, dont give the Cavs any thought of winning this series. Hopefully the Pistons will be mindful of the fact Bron Bron will get his share of calls from the refs, they must play through it and not lose their heads and focus.

__________________
"I`m shocked" The Low, on the Pistons game 2 win in the ECF at Boston.

Let's hope 'Sheed doesn't cop the giggles and get called for his 5th tech. I love all the talk about the "LeBron plan" amongst the players and coaches. Some fans might not think too much of this series but I think it's going to be the best yet. Here's to our Prince trumping their King and Dee-troit Domination from tipoff to final buzzer! CHEERS!

5 straight ECF is impressive, but it's still 1 shy of the Detroit Lions' current 6 season losing record streak, AKA "The Millen Era".

Do we let Bron get 30+ pts (below 50) and shut down the rest of his teammates or we shut down Bron and let the others try to beat us? What is the game plan?

Don't think we can shut both Bron and his teammates down the entire game. But if they do, the Pistons will win the series 4-1.

Best to shut down the rebounding games of Gooden and Ilgauskas.

I completely agree. Limit their second chance opportunities, and deny Lebrina a clear walk to the basket, and the Pistons should be able to take care of the Cavs.