The first seed in the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers (66- 16), meet the eighth seed Detroit Pistons (39-43) in the first-round of the NBA Playoffs. In the four-game season series, the Cavs won three of four. The Cavaliers won seven of their last ten, while the Pistons, who finished the season under .500, lost three straight and were four and six in their final 10 games.
The Cavaliers, who put the league’s top defense on the court, allowed just 91.4 points per game. Their PF/PA differential, which is plus-8.9, is also the best in the NBA. Cleveland, which lost just one game at home this year, can also score, putting 100.3 points per game on the scoreboard, which makes them fourth in the East in that category. As usual, the Pistons offer a decent defense, which allowed 94.7 points per game, tying them for third in the East. Just a few years ago, the Pistons were the best team in the conference, but this year they barely made the post-season. The club, which scored just 94.2 points per game, is ranked last amongst all playoff teams in points scored and has a minus-00.5 PF/PA average.
This match-up is simply Cleveland’s to lose and it’s hard to imagine that happening. Forward LeBron James, who posted an average of 28.4 points, 7.2 assists. 7.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game, tops the team in all four of those areas. Point guard Mo Williams is second in points scored with 17.8 per game and in assists with 4.1 per game. He hits 44% of his threes and 47% of his shots from the field. Shooting guard Delonte West, who connects on 40% of his throws from the arc and 46% from the field, averages 11.8 PPG. Off the bench, Joe Smith, who was acquired in a midseason trade, offers an accurate shot and decent rebounding chops.
The Pistons feature shooting guard Richard Hamilton, who led the team with 18.3 PPG. Hamilton hit 37% from the three-point line and 45% from the court. In trade with the Nuggets in which the Pistons gave up Chanucey Billups, Detroit added Allen Iverson to bolster their firepower. However, Iverson won’t play in the post-season due to injury. Small forward Tayshaun Prince and forward/center Antonio McDyess offer solid rebounding chops, averaging 5.9 and 9.8 rebounds respectively. Prince is good for 14.3 points per contest. Point man Rodney Stuckey, who averaged 13.4 points a game, notched 1.0 SPG.
The Pistons tried to upgrade the team with midseason trades but the loss of Iverson will cripple their potential point production. Additionally, the club is aging and old-timers tend to wear down in the tough NBA post season. The Cavaliers have gotten stronger throughout the season and are led by the best player in the game. There’s depth, vets and youth on Cleveland and a determination to go all the way. Look for the Cavs to take this preliminary series four games to one. That pick is a no-brainer.
