OST: East Rd 1, (8) Magic vs. (1) Pistons (Pistons win 4-0)

[Zip Goshboots]

The other night may have been the equivalent of a "first date" between Delfino and Billups.
Tonight, they may go so far as to do a "Jump in the Air Chest Thump", and then run off to Vegas and elope.

[Matt]

Since the Magic aren't providing much entertainment, let's play "Caption these pics....."

[Glenn]

Brian Hill said today that Dwight Howard was sick last night.

Apparently he was vomiting and having severe stomach cramps before and during the game.

Maybe he has salmonella?

[Matt]

Steve Kerr was very critical of Dwight Howard:

As talented as Dwight Howard is, he's a long way from being a dominant player in a big game. Suffering from stomach pain during Detroit's 98-90 win, Howard was overwhelmed by a combination of the Pistons' defense, the situation and his illness.

He is just 21 and lacks the footwork and fundamentals to be a true offensive force down low. He also lacks a shooting touch from 15 feet that would soften up a defense. His athleticism is stunning, but before we anoint Howard as the next superstar, let's allow him to develop. He has a ways to go, particularly when he's playing at this level in the playoffs.

Detroit is throwing multiple defenders at Howard, bringing help from all over the floor, and the Magic big man is having a difficult time creating any space for himself. He'll need to make quicker, more assertive moves in the post Thursday in Game 3 or this series will be just about over.

Linky

[BubblesTheLion]

Kenny Smith said he was suffering from Pistonitist.

[b-diddy]

maybe if howard spent less time worshipping god and more time working on his fundamentals, the magic (blasphemy?) wouldnt be headed for mr bigshot's first series sweep (no jinx).

[Glenn]

maybe if howard spent less time worshipping god the magic (blasphemy?) wouldnt be headed for mr bigshot's first series sweep (no jinx).

send all of your fan mail to bdiddy@wtfdetroit.com

[Uncle Mxy]

Let's play well enough that Chauncey and Rip get under 30 minutes.
That's my dream.

[Fool]

Yeah, that religion rip seemed out of nowhere.

[Glenn]

The image above has been resized. Click on it to see the full version.

The Magic are in trouble

Posted by A. Sherrod Blakely April 26, 2007 11:44AM

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Orlando Magic are hoping to get a boost from their fans tonight. Unless there's a 6-foot-10 forward/center they can pluck from the crowd who can defend Rasheed Wallace, or a point guard strong enough - and preferably taller than 6-feet - to defend Chauncey Billups, those cheers Orlando will get tonight will only go so far.

For every mismatch the Magic have a chance to address, another one, sometimes even greater, presents itself for Detroit.

Orlando wants to limit Billups' penetration, so they do this by utilizing help-side defenders. Billups wisely starts swinging the ball, which has often wound up in the hands of Rasheed Wallace for a wide open shot.

Orlando Magic coach Brian Hill talked this morning about the possibility of using sharpshooter J.J. Redick at times tonight in hopes that his 3-point shooting will make Detroit pay for doubling Dwight Howard.

It's not a bad idea, except that at the other end of the floor, Redick is going to have to guard Richard Hamilton - who is way, way too quick for him - or Tayshaun Prince - who is stronger and will look to take him on the block.

There has been some talk among the Orlando players about trying to push the tempo and run more. It sounds like another good idea, except for one thing: Orlando's best player, Howard, is at his best in a half court offensive sets, and seldom scores in transition. In other words, running more makes Orlando's best player (Howard), less effective.

The Magic aren't ready to throw in the towel, and I suspect they'll give the Pistons all they can handle tonight. But I just don't see how they can make this series competitive, I really don't. And while Pistons players are publicly saying they're not thinking about a sweep, believe me, they are thinking about a sweep. For one thing, this group has never done it. And maybe more important, it'll give them a chance to kick back and relax for a few days, because that Chicago-Miami series, I believe, will go at least six games.