Pistons at Raptors, 3.13.09

Matchup: Detroit Pistons (32-31) at Toronto Raptors (23-42)
Spread: Pistons -1
My Pick: Pistons by 5

Three reasons the Pistons will win:

1. Antonio McDyess. This season, McDyess has the highest rebound rate of his career and has been the third best rebounding power forward in the NBA (Marcin Gortat doesn’t count, he plays center). Dice has been awesome this year.
2. Point Guard Power. Jose Calderon would need about five years worth of uninterrupted weight training to match Stuckey’s strength. Stuckey should be able to attack the basket at will.
3. Weaker Bench. Without Iverson and Rasheed, the Pistons bench should again be pitiful. The fact that the Raptor’s bench is just as bad, except without the injury excuse, goes a long way toward explaining the team’s 23-42 record.

Three reasons the Pistons will lose:

1. Shawn Marion. In the first two meetings between these teams this season, Tayshaun Prince averaged 26 points per game on 72.4% shooting. That won’t happen on Marion’s watch, even though the forward's play is in rapid decline.
2. Chris Bosh. Aside from the fact that he’s awesome at basketball, is there a more likable, self-aware athlete on the planet? (Evidence: here, and here. Dear Chris, Please sign with the Pistons in 2010.)
3. No Sheed. The Pistons will miss him, especially on the defensive end. It’s not about the backup. It’s about the backup’s backup.

Update:
Final Score: Detroit 99, Toronto 95 (OT)
Notes:

• Jason Maxiell made amends for his poor play in his previous Monday. Maxiell was 8-9 shooting and blocked two shots. On a negative note, he had just six rebounds in 38 minutes.
• RIP and Dice were all over the stat sheet. The duo combined for 40 points, 18 rebounds, 18 assists, three blocks, eight turnovers, eight fouls, and 91 minutes.
• With five minutes left in the third quarter and the Pistons leading 33-31, small ball returned. Toronto immediately went on a 14-7 run which only ended when the Pistons were bailed out by halftime. The Pistons went back to small ball for five minutes in the fourth quarter and were out-scored 8-7. While the decision is less horrific due to Rasheed’s absence, Amir Johnson should have been on the court.
• It was nice to see Afflalo play well in 23 minutes. In his last seven games, he has played 77 minutes and is 11-20 including five made threes. He could be a big boost to the Piston bench if he can continue to shoot well.
• The Raptors only have six players worthy of playing in an NBA rotation and three of them are Andrea Bargnani, Anthony Parker, and Joey Graham. Could anyone blame Chris Bosh if he bolts? If Detroit rolls its cap space over to 2010, it should roll out the red carpet for the man they passed up in 2004.