Sounds like Flip plans on using both Darko and D.D. to slow down the Diesel (taking bets on this actually happening).
In regards to Ben being ineffective guarding Shaq, it think it's important to look at the whole picture... Ben has had some of his best scoring games against Shaq and has a history of getting Shaq in foul trouble.
Nobody can argue that Shaq doesn't hit a high % against Ben.... however we also need to take into account Shaq's turnover rate ... offensive fouls and inlet passes that Ben denys... also consider loose balls that Ben beats Shaq to.
The new rule of not going thru a man to score could work to Ben's advantage... because Ben is typically in the right position... I'll be curious to see if this is enforced.
The by committee approach (to defend Shaq) is the best strategy. This is D.D.'s chance to prove the validity of his two year contract... if he bombs (like preseason) Joe may have to coax E.C. out of retirement. I still maintain that E.C. was the #1 reason we advanced vs the Heat last year (check the results).

Another interesting match up is at backup SF... with all of the publicity the Heat received on the off season moves, did the Pistons low profile move (Evans) keep pace?

Have to admit I'm concerned about Payton posting and shooting over Arroyo.

Any guesses when the first vicious bow from Mourning goes out? I'll say before the 2nd qtr.

Will Mourning cover Sheed?... This is a chance to pull their shot blocker out of the paint.

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With politicians the future lies ahead

I'm betting Darko gets a DNP-CD. Flip says this all the time.

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I'm ready for this game. It's a lot easier to hate the Heat with Mourning, Payton, Walker and Shaq than it is other teams like the Spurs.


At some point Darko and DD have to prove their worth and what better time than tonight. With Lindsey Hunter's pending return to the roster someone will have to be deactivated. So who will it be? Maybe the game tonight could go a long way in deciding that. Or I guess Maxiell would be the more logical choice to be wearing street clothes.

this game means a whole lot more to miami, and even if the pistons win it won't matter that much because they should win. i'm not that much more hyped in this game than others too even though it's miami we're playing. if lindsey is back the next time we face the heat he'll make jason williams look like an idiot. i hope to see a pretty fast pace to kill shaq out there, and i hope we make williams create more TO's than he already does.

Their best opportunity was last game. The bench had a huge margin for error.

Is darko finally going to prove that you can not play for 2 years, sit on the bench for most of this season and go out and contain one of the most dominant players in the league? He may have the ingredients to be a shaq stopper but he's still missing an affinity for the game itself.

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flip said he expects both dale AND Darko to have some good minutes tonight because of shaq. if darko proves something here he'll have to get more pt.

except for Dice and Arroyo. I love the ocassional semi-spectacular play and somewhat dependable jumper that Evans has. But he's nowhere near a "defensive force." Delfino though playing hard so far, still don't inspire confidence in my book; and J-Max appears too immobile to man the backup 3.

The big problem is still up front. DD ain't as physical as I hoped he would be, and he's already a lil light in the pants. Darko? Puleease! I'm wondering who on our bench besides a rookie is capable and willing to deliver a HARD foul?

Our starters are playing at a high level collectively, seldom seen in the NBA. Everybody better stay healthy.

sorry if my pessimism is running high re: playing time for the rest of the guys. I'd like to see DD and Darko in there. I just doubt I will. In fact, I won't cuz I'll have to something else tonight. But I'll read the recaps.

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When I'm looking at bunch of gambling forums seems like everybody is on Heat tonight. I don't know why even thoug they get 6 points.
I'm looking forward to see the game. I think we should force Wade to shoot jumpers instead of letting him penetrate.

THe game will be tough and the Miami Heat will come out pumped, but they will lose. The main thing I want to see if the 3pt shooters for Miami will be able to hurt the Pistons. THey just don't scare me from beyound the arc like they di last season.