Pistons vs. Cavaliers, 4.24.09, Round 1, Game 3

Matchup: Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Series: 2-0, Cleveland
Spread: Cavaliers -5

After suffering a second embarrassing loss to the Cavaliers, the Pistons had two days to regroup between games. Every prominent player on the roster sounded dejected after game two, so hopefully the team has used the time off to stop whimpering and start developing a plan of attack.

Unfortunately, the Pistons’ problems are much deeper than an inferiority complex. They have no answer for LeBron James and no ability to overcome their offensive shortcomings on the other end. Michael Curry will probably look for a spark from his bench early and often, but the talent disparity between Cleveland’s starters and Detroit’s backups will render that plan ineffective.

If the Pistons are going to a steal a game in this series, tonight will be their best chance. In all likelihood, the Pistons are not all that eager to make another trip to Cleveland and are thus resigned to a sweep.

My Pick: Cavaliers by 12

Update:
Final Score: Detroit 68, Cleveland 79
Notes:

• There isn’t much left to say. The Cavaliers are more talented, better-coached, and hungrier than the Pistons. Also, they have the best player on the planet playing at an insanely high level.
• In many ways this series is an opportunity for Joe Dumars to determine which players deserve to be part of the future in Detroit. If that is indeed the case, Rodney Stuckey appears to be the only starter worth keeping around. RIP Hamilton has enough talent to be a part of the core, but he’s on the wrong side of 30 for a team that probably is a few years away from returning to prominence.