with Dallas' loss last night, and the spurs loss on Wednesday night, we've got an opportunity to create a little breathing room with a win tonight.

there's no question that we are the better team and should be able to win even on their home floor. but obviously the pacers are motivated (they hate us too, and they are still jockeying for playoff position: big difference between playing NJ in the first round and Miami), they always play us tough, and their defensive intensity will help create a playoff style tempo and atmosphere.

all in all, the game presents a superb opportunity for the Pistons to build on what they did in the 2nd half against Miami, to develop some of the facets of their game they'll need come playoff time, and to send a message to EC foes that nobody really has a chance against us in the EC playoffs.

Now we'll see if they actually show up to capitalize on the opportunity...