There is a huge slate of games on Friday night. The biggest rivalry of the past couple of years playoffs is on the top of the card today. Pistons @ Pacers: Last Friday it was Ron Artest, this Friday it's Ben Wallace and the Pistons. Indiana is facing some tough obstacles but have yet to lose their #5 seed. Jeff Foster and Scott Pollard will need 10+ rebounds apiece like the last time they faced Detroit and Peja will have to play better. Predicted Score: Indiana wins 97-92 Magic @ 76ers: Orlando returns to Philadelphia again, keeping in mind their road win there several months ago. Much has changed for Orlando, including an injury to Grant Hill and the debunking and eventual trading of Steve Francis. When they won in Phili, their record was 18-22 and were in the playoffs. Since then they've gone 6-19 and are 7 back of the postseason. Predicted Score: Philadelphia wins 100-96 Sonics @ Nuggets: Earl Watson returns to Denver where the scoring should definitely be up. Kenyon Martin should flourish with the weak bigmen the Sonics are putting out. Luke Ridnour will have issues stopping a much bigger Andre Miller and far faster Earl Boykins. Denver is way better defensively and should hold Rashard Lewis to low production. Predicted Score: Denver wins 107-95 |
