AND I QUOTE THE GREAT DICE:

Even though Orlando [doesn't] want to see us, how much can you really beat a team? Eventually they say, ‘Hey, enough is enough.’ I feel they’re more dangerous than anyone we could play. You can only beat a team so much before the tables turn.”

Pistons forward Antonio McDyess, refusing to regurgitate the one shred of positivity that shell-shocked Detroit fans have been clinging to for weeks, which is the widely held assumption that this nightmare season can be saved (at least somewhat) by a first-round matchup with the Magic.

Detroit has ousted Orlando from the playoffs for two seasons running. The Pistons are likewise 3-0 against Orlando this season, in spite of all the injuries and tumult that have followed the trade of Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson just a week into the season. All of this assumes, of course, that the Pistons don’t slip all the way out of the playoffs after losing Rip Hamilton (groin), Rasheed Wallace (calf), Iverson (back) … and six of their last seven games.

The Magic’s Dwight Howard, meanwhile, made the claim earlier this week that he’s actually hoping to see the Pistons in the first round because “every year they seem to have our number.” He’s been openly discussing how Chauncey’s old team still represents a “mental hump” that Orlando has to “get over.”

Our question, then: Do you believe Dice or Dwight?

Do you think Dice has reason to fear an Orlando reprisal? Or that a Detroit-Orlando rematch would really be “good for us” as Dwight claims?

Us, neither.

VIA ESPN

We have an updated report from one of the Pistonscast Posse.

Richard from Howell, MI

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*First of all I want to say that Dwight Howard is RIPPED.  I managed to get his autograph by the tunnel and his arms looked like they were about to explode.

Now on to the pistons.  They played with great intensity in the first have and rolled onto an 11-point half time lead.  I thought Jason Maxiell did a great job off the bench, like that sick block on morcin gartet or whatever his name is.  That should buy him some playing time.

Rodney Stuckey had another good game making me even happier with his change to the starting lineup.  They did a good job playing without their co-captain and my boy, Rip Hamilton.  You gotta wonder if this lineup without Rip is the best way to go, we seem to play better this way and we can only get better when Rip comes back.  To me it’s the obvious choice of what lineup we should go with. Overall the best part about the first half was how well they were able to shutdown Superman Dwight.  His huge stat line with one first half point proved it.

Unfortunately there was the second half.  Right out of the gate they looked flat, bad body language, lazy Sheed (a.k.a. Rash) and they continually had possessions where they let the shot clock get low, causing a bad shot.  They couldn’t stop Rashard Lewis or Dwight Howard.  I lost count at somewhere around 50 three pointers for Lewis including the one that he nearly converted to a four point play after being tackled by Dyess.  The game was physical all night long, it was unusual how many injuries we saw.

The Good: First half intensity, good play without Rip, energy off the bench, no Superman in first half,   Rodney Stuckey, win pushes record to 18-11, MC seems to be getting more comfortable and more involved
The Bad: Second half, couldn’t stop Rashard Lewis or Dwight Howard, Rash…eed, poor execution, Iverson didn’t play well, we didn’t see either of the Walters but I guess I didn’t really expect Razor Sharpe to play anyway, Amir was quiet.

Peace,

Richard

Howell, MI

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What’s Going on World?

John W. Davis here.

Here is your official discussion blog for tonight’s game against the Orlando Magic.  Hopefully we can play some of that outstanding 3rd Quarter Milwaukee Bucks defense tonight and get a big win!

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VIA MLIVE:

Big or small?

“When we have the bigger lineup, we’re better defensively, we’re better defensive rebounding and it gives us an opportunity to block more shots,” Prince said. “It’s just kind of pick and choose.”

Said Iverson: “It’s something we have to work through, work on our rotations and take advantage of it (small lineup) on the offensive end and use our speed against those bigger guys.”

Injury report
Pistons guard Richard Hamilton, who did not play Saturday because of a left groin injury, is questionable for tonight. If he does not play, Amir Johnson once again will start at power forward with Tayshaun Prince back to small forward and Rasheed Wallace at center. The backcourt will consist of Rodney Stuckey and Iverson.

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*Personally, I’m looking for Stuckey to eat up Jameer Nelson tonight like he did D. Rose!

Who do you think is the key to victory?

Peace,

John W. Davis

www.pistonscast.com

MARK MANGINO        

Stan Van Gundy

On Episode 49, a discussion prompted by the following email got us on the subject or who looks worse Mark Mangino or Stan Van Gundy.

Waddup Pistonscast?

Alright. I have another scenario, but it’s a little different. Now, as we all see, Stan Van Gundy and Zydrunas Ilgauskas are not exactly the best looking basketball icons out there. Who would you rather look like, and why?

Thanks, Nathan

Okay so you have seen the pictures.  Deven and I think Mark Mangino is much worse but Stan Van Gundy is a horrible dresser so its really a toss up. 

As always give us a call (313) 769-3287 or shoot us an email with you feelings or just post a comment below.

-John