Boston Celtics present matchup problems for the Pistons

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Rasheed Wallace and Kevin Garnett – will this matchup determine the series?

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The Boston Celtics present certain matchup problems for the Pistons that other teams do not.

Detroit Pistons

Before discussing the Detroit matchup problems, we should discuss the opposite problem for Boston and all other NBA basketball teams. The Pistons put four guys on the court that always present a matchup problem for your favorite team. Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, or Rasheed Wallace will be matched up with someone they can consistently beat or if you try to double anyone, Antonio McDyess will drill a set shot from 15 feet.

Boston Celtics

Rajon Rondo will not impress Chauncey Billups. Chauncey will chew on him most of the time, eating him alive. Chauncey is just too strong. It is like when Karl Malone used to play for Utah, he is just one size larger than you are. Rajon will get his points and bring energy, but Chauncey will win this matchup. The wild card here is Chauncey’s hamstring. Can it take a beating?

Rip Hamilton and Ray Allen should have a battle royal. Both of them live on jump shots from mid range and further with Rip usually closer to the basket and both are from UConn. Ray Allen has been cold during the playoffs, but Rip will have him fired up to play.

Tayshaun Prince will be matched up with Paul Pierce and Paul has been winning this matchup in the past by not only scoring, but shutting down Tayshaun. The difference here is that Tayshaun does not always see himself as a scorer or needing to score. Prince has been hot during the playoffs, but expect the points to come a little harder during this matchup.

Rasheed Wallace will not always be matched up with Kevin Garnett. The Pistons do not like Rasheed to get into foul trouble. McDyess will often cover Garnett with Jason Maxiell sometimes helping out as well. Kevin Garnett has the ability to step out and hit the 15 to 17 foot jumper and if you go out on him, he will take you to the hole. Garnett can also post up as well. He cannot post Rasheed Wallace. Wallace is too strong, but you do not want Wallace running out on Garnett to stop his jump shot.

This matchup of Garnett and Detroit will determine the series.

Wallace loves playing against the best, so he should be keyed in against Garnett, who averaged 24 points per game against the Pistons in the regular season. They’re similar players: emotional, defensively sound and able to score from inside and out. Wallace has taken more than a third of his shots from three-point range in the playoffs. Garnett is especially adept at hitting midrange jumpers. His knock is being too unselfish, especially late in games.

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Keep in mind, Garnett cannot stop Wallace down low, but how motivated to stay down low will Rasheed be in this series. That is always a question.

To stop Garnett the Pistons do have one secret weapon and it is not Amir Johnson. Kevin Garnett schooled Amir early in the season and Amir may not see much time in this series. No, the Pistons will call on aging veteran Theo Ratliff. Theo has the length and the smarts to give Kevin some problems.

As always, any NBA Basketball related comments are welcome.

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