Game on the line at the Palace and Ben's FTs to determine the outcome... this is gonna happen.

I certainly hope so.

I expect to see both Hack-a-Ben and Hack-a-Hamilton employed, with both coaches complaining about the other's strategy.

Unfortunately, I think Hack-a-Hamilton may be more effective.

I am in Chicago this week, but have to busy to get a sense of the hype over this series,. I have had no access to sports radio during the day and the only paper I have read is the hotel supplied USA Today.

I did hear two sportscasters on TV discussing it Monday night and both thought the Pistons would win because they were the experienced/favored team and one guy likened the current Bulls to the 1990 Bulls that played the Pistons tough in the 1990 ECFinals, before losing in seven. (I remember Jordan's comments: we want to be where they are).

One guy also thought the Heat would beat the Bulls, so I am not sure what the confidence level is of the bulls fans are yet. Probably if they beat the Pistons, then they will probaly believe they can win the whole thing.

The 2 people I know in Chic both think the Bulls will beat the Pistons. They thought that before the Miami series, I can imagine now.

Listen - If I saw Ben Wallace or any other Bull out on public I would definetly shake their hand and treat them with the utmost respect. On the court is a different story. Its ok to hate on these guys when the game is on, thats why they get paid the big bucks. Just don't throw any beers at em eh..

Overall they all annoy me. Dengs experssions after he scores, Nocioni, Henricks temper tantrums, trator Ben. About the only Bull that does not annoy me is Ben Gordan for some reason.

If our Pistons cannot get up for this series then its time to bust the team apart and start over. They all think they can beat the Pistons. Especially after sweeping the champs Miami in the 1st round ( which has not been done since 1957 ).

I am looking forward to this one more than any of the Indy or NJ series.

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Well, that was very insightful. Lots of questions, no answers...

Here's an interesting quote................

"Detroit's the best team in the East," Bulls General Manager John Paxon said. "I know that this year they didn't win as many games as the previous year, but they're a better team overall. Their depth is more trusted by coach Flip Saunders."

Ben Wallace.................................

I'm not feeling the big hype here in Chicago. Most of the Bulls fans I know think they have a chance, but are not overly confident.

The Pistons have earned a great deal of respect over the past 5 years.

I would say that the Bulls fans have about as much confidence in their team as we did in the Tigers last fall. They were really great, but you knew that you were just happy they were in the game. You don't get greedy the first year your team is in contention.

Here's an interesting quote.............................

"I'm the one who made Rip Hamilton the best mid-range jumpshooter in the league". "Ask him about it when you see him, 'cause when I was with Detroit and he was with Washington, his first six layup attempts, I threw 'em."

Ben Wallace .....................

Well said Tay, someone of the forum who actually makes sense half the time.