The Nets can't do anything right.

The Pistons will have to be very careful.

The bench will need to step up BIG TIME the next two games.

Remember last year, what added to our loss in San An was LB overplaying the bench.

We all know too well how ugly the starters play when they are not rested. Case in point the comeback in game 2, Flip left the starters in too long and later apologized for that.

I believe the fatigue factor is one area that will be a definite liability to us making a good showing in the heat series.

If Mo Evans/McDyess is able to come in and give some quality minutes CONSISTENTLY, then we will be in very good shape. If McDyess plays the way he did in game 4, conditions worsen dramatically.

Don't forget we now have two players with ankle injuries.

I think the Pistons taking on Miami (hopefully) without a break is a good thing. These athletes are conditioned to play every other day and I think it will maintain the competitive edge. The downside is how hurt the players are. In that case a little rest may do them good.

It's time for these fellas to wake up and smell the roasted coffee. What better way then to put them under the gun and not let up?

The prevailing theory is that Detroit only gets up for games when their backs are against the wall. That they lack any kind of killer instinct.

Backs against the wall all of the way baby! They've shown they cannot handle walking the easy path.

I like no rest. This is great.

what a clever ploy by the pistons, extending this series with the cavs so the heat have too much rest and are rusty for game 1. sneaky!!

I was told of a flagrant 1 necktie foul by Mourning on R Jeff but didn't see it. Is there any chance that it could be elevated to a flagrant 2 with suspension.

The Heat will be rested, we will not, and if scheduling habit holds true we will also have to play them after only a 1 day rest.

That being the case an absent Zo may just be the equalizer that prevents Miami from comming here and stealing game one.

exactly.

And to toast the mad joy of Micro's truth, a Haiku:



Backs to the wall. Scared?

Jump off the bandwagon. But

Detroit will punch back.

Once up 2 nothing
The rookie coach grasps at straws
Billups must show more

I'm worried enough to think we will lose to Miami in 6, but the Pistons always show up for big games. They are about 50/50 with mediocre teams, which explains the trouble of the 1st and 2nd rounds. These next two games can help to ramp up the intensity and bring the D back to the D. It that happens, it won't matter how much rest Miami gets.

But it is a bit disconcerting that Miami is peaking at the right time while the Pistons are slumping.

After Detroit handles the Cav`s in 7 games will they have enough to handle a rested Heat team in game 1 of the ECF?

As someone said before, rest in the Playoffs can be overated unless rest is needed to nurse injuries. Miami has started playing the best ball of the year in the last series against NJ. Wade and Shaq have been themselves but the difference has come from A Walker, Gary Payton, and role players who have been nonexistent thus far.

The last thing I would want to happen (if I were Pat Riley) is a long break between games which might result in the disappearnce of these inconsistent role players.

Shaq and Kobe will need help against the Pistons and they have been getting it lately. Something happened against the Cav`s that I thought wouldn`t happen - dropping a home game. We must hold serve at home against the Heat, especially in games 1 and 2.

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"We are going to be really good offensively and definsively, we are going to be a team that can beat you 120-110, or beat you 80-70" Coach Michael Curry on the 2008-2009 Pistons.