Well, it`s official the Miami Heat will be in the ECF Finals for the second year in a row. Who will they be facing? The Detroit Pistons of course.

Starting Wednesday Detroit will play every other day, four games in 7 days. That`s of course if they win the next two against the Cav`s, with the ECF game 1 Sunday.

This is what happens when you don`t seize the moment and handle your business. Miami handled theirs and now they can sit back and relax for a few days.

The Pistons will probably get by the Cav`s, however, a rested and improved Heat team may be too hot to handle.

I will stand by my theory; if Detroit wins games one and two they will win the series. A slip up at home and they are done.

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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.

I'd certainly rather be rested up for the next round as well, but let's also remember that this isn't necessarily a decisive factor in the first couple of games. Last year, Miami swept BOTH of their first two series, against the Nets and the Wiz, while the Pistons went 5 with Philly and an occasionally nerve-wracking 6 with Indy (down 2-1, needing Game 4 on the road), and yet it was the Pistons who stole Game 1 in Miami.

Detroit can steal a game in Miami. I think they'll need to do just that.

Miami swept their second round series last year plus they had home court advantage. We still beat them (ok, barely and with a lame Wade). Should be a great series.

But first things first.

Not so much the rest because of fatigue, rest for the injuries!

Very interesting point Dlev and I agree with you on all levels. To add to that when we eventually face the Miami Heat fatigue is going to be a major factor. Detroit has to muster all the energy it can to put these guys away in 6 games in order to give us any kind of chance in game 1. Yes I said in game 1, if Miami does indeed beat us in the ECF it will be because fatigue and not necessarily just the skill of the Miami Heat. If we do not close these guys in 6 we are in serious trouble. I never thought this would happen but my worst fears have almost come to true. We will need to dig down extremely deep to win it this year. If not we need a change at head coach, sorry flip.

The Lakers were also well rested a couple years ago.
Not so sure about the team being tired since they get at least one day to relax... Injuries is a bigger concern.
The other concern is Miami practicing against our plays.... However the Heat won't be able to accurately simulate Pistons personel.

Flip will have to be sharp with his adjustments.

We better take care of the task at hand first.

Honestly, If Sheed isn't back to 100%, I don't like our chances against a rested and confident Miami team.

I also worry about the coaching matchup. If a rookie coach can outcoach him this badly, I hate to think what Pat Riley would do.

Agree Freshone. Flip is surely getting outcoached by the youngster and if Sheeds ankle is not back to 98% by Sunday, this one could be 5 the hard way with a Heat series victory. And once again IFFF this happens the the loss will be blamed on Sheed>bad ankle and all, with the rest of the blamed being spread out between CB and Flip.

I would also think that Joe my hero would feel some heat for believing the MVP hype about CB and failing to find a suitable person who really back him up at the point. Hunter-Delk..please

Let's get by the Cavs first and of course we need our guys healthy. The Heat will not be easy--never thought they would be. They might even wind up the favorite. We have seen that one before.

I wouldn't mind having the Heat be the favorite...it takes a little pressure off the Pistons