Orlando has revenge on its mind following a first-round sweep at the hands of the Pistons in last year's playoffs, while Detroit is looking to continue the momentum it found at the end of its series with Philadelphia after stumbling out of the block. Dwight Howard was dominant in Orlando's five-game series win over Toronto, and Orlando's outside shooters contributed nearly 10 3-pointers a game on its way to an average of 104.0 points per game. Detroit, meanwhile, shot lights out against Philadelphia (48.8 percent for the series) and played suffocating defense on its way to a 4-2 series win.

However, for all of the offensive fireworks that were a part of those two matchups, look for Detroit to rely on its halfcourt set to generate offense and slow the pace against an Orlando team that loves to get up and down. Howard will be Orlando's first option on offense, but should he face a double team, he has the utmost confidence in Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu to knock down shots from outside. For Detroit, Rasheed Wallace's outside game will be used to lure Howard away from the basket where he is one of the best shot-blockers in the game. As usual, Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince will each be relied upon heavily to put the ball in the basket for Detroit. Orlando has had four full days to rest and prepare for Detroit, and it could become a factor early on in this series as the Pistons' veteran lineup will have enjoyed just one full day of rest prior to tipping off at home against the Magic in Game 1. Still, Billups, Hamilton, Prince, Wallace & Co. hit their stride in the latter stages of the Sixers series, and their experience will guide them into the Eastern Conference Finals.