bostondave	Male 36 years old DANVERS, MA
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The series between the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons will be a lot tougher and harder than the past series. Both teams are closely matched up. However, with Detroit's experience in the playoffs, you really have to give them the nod. Its just a simple fact that these guys have all been through the playoff wars and have succeeded. This Celtics team is learning on the job.

The key match up will be Rondo vs Billups. Rajon had his way against Chancey in their last meeting. It'll be interesting to see what happens. Rajon was pretty ineffective in the last couple of playoff games. Billups could end up schooling Rajon again. The only question is, Is BIllups fully healed from his injury? Doc will have to decide if he wants to put Posey or House to defend against him, if Rajon isn't playng well.

KG should be able to handle Rasheed Wallace but it will be a tough battle under the boards. KG needs to take control of the series when the other starters are having off nights. He deferred too much in the Cavs series. KG needs to take it to the net instead of taking those jump shots especially in Detroit.

Ray Allen has to show up in this series. He can't be another no show in the playoffs. The Celts will be done if he is. Ray will have to defend Rip Hamilton as well. There is a history between the two guys so maybe this will bring out the best in Ray. Since Ray has sat out most of the Cavs series, his "fresher" legs could be a boost if he ever found his shooting touch.

Paul Pierce will probably have an "easier" time against Tayshaun Prince than with Lebron. However, Prince has had success in defending Pierce in the three regular season games. Prince is not a offensive threat though. Hopefully Paul can find a way to score.

The benches on both teams are deep with solid players and veterans. Jason Maxiell is probably the most dangerous. Definitely like Eddie House or James Posey. Rodney Stucky has been impressive in stepping up in Billups spot when he got injured. Can the likes of House, Posey, Big Baby, PJ, Cassell, etc step it up like they did with the Cavs? I think they will.

The fatigue factor will certainly come into play as the series goes on. The Piston certainly had more time to rest. It might not appear in tonight's game but it certainly will in the next. The Celts will be running on adrenaline and be pumped up. The question will be can they sustain their play?

Defense on both sides will be huge. I don't expect high scoring games. Neither side should have blow outs. Its just going to be another grind of the series.

Can the Celts finally win on the road? Past history suggests no. I certainly wouldn't be surprised if the Piston won one in Boston.

Sadly, I think the Pistons will win the series because they have too much experience on their side. The Celts will also succumb to fatigue. The starters all have played over 40mins each including KG and Paul. Unless Ray can find his shot, he'll probably be a non-factor again. The benches will become a factor here. I do hope I'm wrong though. I can't stand Detroit.

The Celts have come a long way since last season though and the Championship is just so close right now. It would be tough to lose now. Go Celts!!!