Spurs Pistons Matchups

Coaching: Neither of these guys will be outcoached. Popovich does seem to have his players be more consistant with effort.

Defense: Both teams play excellent defense. The Pistons, however, are used to playing good defensive teams (the Sixers, Pacers, and Heat). The Spurs might be a little surprised to see real defense after getting past the Suns.

Superstars: Duncan's the best player in the game, but Rasheed Wallace isn't too far behind. Duncan is more consistant and better on defense. Look beyond Rasheed being a jerk on the court and you see a player with offensive talent that compares to anyone.

Hamilton vs. Ginobli: Looks even to me, althogh Larry Brown's whining may get the officials to be tough on Ginobli.

Bowen vs. Prince: Bowen plays like a Piston. He will make life miserable for either Prince or Ginobli, maybe Billups too. I still can't figure Prince out. It seems like he can score whenever he wants to, but he doesn't. Love his blocked shots that come out of nowhere.

Billups vs. Parker: This is the matchup that will decide the series. Parker's quick and he's come up big in some games, but he can also have some bad games. Billups is Mr. Clutch. He will win a game a two with a big three pointer or some post up moves. Who else would you rather have at the free throw line at the end of the game than Chauncey?

Mohammed vs. Ben Wallace: Mohammed's tough and fits in perfectly with the rest of his team. Wallace can cause havoc, but Duncan and the Spurs should have the discipline and talent to contain him.

Bench: Larry Brown's using his bench less and less. Meanwhile, the Spurs have Brent Barry who can get hot shooting threes, and we know what Robert Horry can do.

Prediction: Pistons win in 7 games.