Upon the Conference Finals- Part 2

Onto the East, where the Detroit Pistons lead the Miami Heat 1 game to 0. Shaq played in the first game, and was effective early, but only had 20 points on a somewhat slow second half. Detroit got a great game from Rasheed Wallace, who had a critical stop on Udonis Haslem late, and hit several big 3's. Dwyane Wade had an off-night, and if Deisel is a quiet 75% and Wade misfires, Miami is done.

on to the match-ups

Point Guard: Damon Jones V Chauncey Billups

Jones emerged from relative obscurity this year, a benificiary of what I will term the Shaq effect. All of a sudden, good open 3-point shooters look like great players. Billups is one of the best and most consistently overlooked PG in the league. Jones is capable, Billups was the MVP of the Finals last year.

Edge: Pistons

Shooting Guard: Dwyane Wade V Rip Hamilton

After a great rookie campaign, Wade has his coming-out party this year, and his band-wagon was shaking from all the people jumping on. He is a fantastic 2-way player, but i gave my thoughts on crowning him the next Jordan already. Jersey and Washington are not Detroit or San Antonio. Rip is the new-school Reggie, never-ending motor while running off a million screens. Wade is easily the better baller, but he will have to improve on his Game 1 showing. Guarding Hamilton is a chore, and will tire out someone who carries as much of the offensive load as Wade does.

Edge: i have to say PUSH, but Wade can grab it with a stellar Game 2

Small Forward:Eddie Jones V Tayshaun Prince

This match-up is one of the more intriguing in the series. The numbers Prince(14.7, 5.3 boards, 3 assists) and Jones (12.7, 5.1, 2.7) are basically a push. Both men can shoot the 3 (slight edge to Jones, and defend (with Prince's length and blocks just edging Jones' steals). Jones is a veteran, but Prince is a match-up problem.

Edge: Detroit

Power Forward: Haslem V Rasheed Wallace

Udonis also benefitted greatly from the Shaq-Effect, to the tune of averaging nearly a double-double. However, Sheed let him know how the balance of power goes in this match-up when he blocked U's potential game-tying jumper, saved it from going out of bounds, and threw the outlet. Sheed cant really bully him, but he can J him to death

Edge: Detroit

Center: Shaq V Ben Wallace

In a reprise of least year's Finals match-up at the 5, a healthy Shaq abuses Big Ben. Wallace will guard him straight-up, and a hobbled Shaq can't be as effective as he wants. Wallace changes the lane for opponents, and can patrol the boards as well. I think Shaq will summon another run from his body, and we will see a 30-15 soon.

Edge: Heat

Coach: Stan Van V Larry Brown

The master out maneuvers the young gun. Lets see if Stan can use his chess pieces well enough to let Shaq and Wade carry them on. Go with the defending champ again.

Edge: Pistons

Bench: Alonzo, Laettner, Dooling, Shanndon Anderson V McDyess, Arroyo, Lindsey Hunter, Ronald Dupree

Alonzo will be important if Shaq can't go, or is in foul trouble. McDyess is playing well now, and Lindsey is a consistent vet. Mourning is the key, if he can give the Heat Offense and Defense they are in good shape.

Edge: Heat

Prediction: Chessmatch. Split the series home and away. Heat in 6.