| Re: PF.com-HVC Pistons vs. Magic Playoff Preview
Power Forward
Dba
The Magic turn the ball over more than any other team except the Knicks and Howard has more himself than any other player in the league. If Howard turned the ball over at the average rate for a starting power forward the Magic would rank 19th in turnovers instead of 2nd. Despite that he accounts for 25% of the Magic’s Sprocket Points (no Piston has a share higher than 15%) so given the strong penalty built into that computation for turning the ball over, he’s doing something right. If Sheed stays out of foul trouble and is on his game he can take Howard out of the action. If Sheed gets two fouls in the first six minutes look for a long night – DD can slow Howard down, but he can’t stop him.
Roscoe36
Roscoe 36 vs. D-Ho. First of all, Roscoe is a better name than D-Ho. In fact all of Rasheed’s nicknames are better. Elevatorman, Roscoe, and Sheed. I mean, if someone says “You are the Sheed”, that’s a clever way of saying you are THE MAN. But if someone says “You Da Ho”, one should be prepared to defend their manhood.
Lazyberbs
I would guess Howard will face Sheed and they will be hard put to guard each other. Howard is so strong that Sheed will need help. Sheed would draw Howard out too far when he hangs deep. So, the Pistons will probably foul Dwight a lot by tryinig to shove him around and keep him from the lobs and keep his rebounding down;
Lurker
Sheed’s biggest battle will be with the refs, and with own his tendency to float on the perimeter. When he’s at his best he’s like Tim Duncan, but with even goofier faces and an accurate 60-foot jumper.
Advantage: Pistons
Slippy
The Man Child brings it against some crafty old guys with a penchant for technical fouls. Can Howard shoot the 3? Advantage Detroit. Just kidding. Expect Flip to employ some sneaky zone things to deny Howard the ball but this is Orlando’s battering ram on the gates of Detroit. I hear ya knockin’ but you can’t come in!  |