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Overview
Two of the NBA’s top point guards go head to head in this matchup. The Nets, behind Jason Kidd, soared to the top of the Eastern Conference this season. They struggled against the Pacers in the first round, but survived at home in Game 5 to keep their storybook season alive. Speaking of good story lines, rising star Baron Davis and the Hornets are trying to win a title for Charlotte before the franchise relocates next season to New Orleans.
The Nets will win if ...
Kenyon Martin can slow down Hornets’ star Jamal Mashburn as effectively as he did Indiana’s Jermaine O’Neal in the first round. New Jersey also needs
Keith Van Horn and Todd MacCulloch to hold down the middle against the taller Hornets, since Kidd figures to have his hands full with Davis. Tempo could be the key, as the Nets need to get out on the break where Kidd can use his superb court vision to create easy chances.
The Hornets will win if ...
Mashburn makes it back from the virus that kept him out of nearly the entire first round. With a healthy Mash, Charlotte has more weapons inside and outside. However, Mashburn was likely out for Game 1, as was suspended
forward Jamaal Magloire. Davis has the size and strength to hang with Kidd, while big men Elden Campbell, P.J. Brown and Magliore form a solid three-man power rotation.
Key Stats
New Jersey ranked fifth in the NBA in points allowed (92.0), while
Charlotte ranked seventh (92.9).
Did you know?
The Nets are making their first appearance in the second round
since 1984.
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| Prediction: Hornets in 6
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Pistons (50-32) vs. Celtics (49-33)
The series was split 2-2.
Neither team won a road game
in the season series. Advantage: Detroit.
 Complete Head-to-Head Stats
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Overview
It’s shades of Bird and Isiah, as these two old playoff rivals from the 1980s renew their postseason love affair. Detroit, one of the surprise teams of the league during the regular season, is coming off a five-game series win over the Raptors in the first round. Boston, led by its Dynamic Duo of Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker, advanced by virtue of a five-game series win over the Sixers. Both teams play solid team defense, spread the floor and rely on their stars to carry the offensive load.
The Pistons will win if ...
They can defend the 3-point arc. With Cliff Robinson and Ben Wallace inside, the Pistons like to clog the middle and force teams to beat them from downtown. However, the Celtics have too many good shooters. Detroit’s Chucky Atkins, Jerry Stackhouse, Corliss Williamson and Robinson are going to have to get their hands in the faces of Boston’s perimeter guns and take their chances that Big Ben can patrol the paint.
The Celtics will win if ...
They can throw a blanket on Stackhouse. Although the Pistons have other decent scorers, most of their offense revolves around their star shooting guard. Boston’s Pierce and Erick Strickland must take turns keeping Stack in check and not allow him to get to the foul line, where he does a lot of his damage. Also, veteran point guard Kenny Anderson must use his advantage in experience and attack Atkins at both ends.
Key Stats
Stackhouse averaged 22.8 points (on 40.9 percent shooting) and 4.8 rebounds for Detroit during the season series; Pierce averaged 26.3 points (50.7 percent shooting) and 7.0 rebounds for the Celtics.
Did you know?
Pistons coach Rick Carlisle served with Celtics assistant Dick Harter on Larry Bird’s Pacers staff during their run to the 2000 Finals.
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| Prediction: Celtics in 7
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