The Big B

It's finally time for the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals. It's exactly what we've been waiting for all year long: Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics. The #1 and #2 teams in the in the East, and in the regular season as well. Also, the two best defensive teams throughout this year. They played 3 times throughout the regular season, with the Pistons winning the first game in Boston, and the Celtics winning the next two games in Detroit and Boston. All 3 were very exciting and close games, and were some of the best games this season. These two teams were just destined to face each other in the ECFs this year, and now it's finally time to see them go at it.

This is the Pistons 6th straight ECF appearance, but it's the Celtics 1st since 2002. The Celtics and the Pistons have a lot of great player matchups that make the series even more entertaining:

Kevin Garnett vs. Rasheed Wallace - Both are their teams best player and have been been of the team's leaders and heart of the team. They can both post up in the paint very well, and both play good defense. Rasheed has the long range shot, but Garnett has the mid range shot. They have had had some good and bad games in this year's playoffs, and it will probably be the same in this series as well.

Rip Hamilton vs. Ray Allen - Battle of the UConn guards. These two played very physical on each other in each game this regular season. They are always keeping the game heated, and are both great shooters. Rip has been shooting great in the playoffs, but has been turning the ball over too much. Ray hasn't been all that great so far, but will definitely heat up when he goes against Rip.

Tayshaun Prince vs. Paul Pierce - This will be the most important and most interesting matchup of this series. They have both been the best and most consistent players for their teams so far this year in the playoffs. Pierce definitely has the edge on the offensive side of the ball, but Prince is the better defender. Both have stepped up their game on the opposite side of the ball that they are not known for being strong at (Pierce stepping up on D, and Prince stepping it up on O). Keep your eye on this one folks.

Jason Maxiell vs. Kevin Garnett - Not really one you would expect, but will definitely interesting to see what happens when these two face off. In the regular season games, Maxiell defended Garnett very well and got him frustrated a lot. Maxiell will be very physical with him all series long, and Garnett should be ready for it this time. I think in the regular season he was surprised a smaller defender good guard him so well, but now he will know what to expect from Maxiell.

Chauncey Billups, Rodney Stuckey, and Lindsey Hunter should be able to have their way with Rajon Rondo, Sam Cassell, and Eddie House at the point. This a matchup where the Pistons should be able to just dominate at, but all the other ones will be very close and great matchups.

I have been saying it all season long that the East will win the title this year, and I still stand by that. So (to me) this is the pre-battle for the NBA title this year. Whoever wins out of the Pistons/Celtics will be the NBA champions this year; I'm sure of that. The Celtic have been struggling big time on the road, going 0-6 thus far, but they have been dominant at home. No team has even won the title without winning at least 3 road games. The Pistons are one of the best road teams as well, and can easily win on the road just as well as at home. I know there is a first time for everything, but it's not looking good for the C's if they can't win on the road. They won't be able to play like they did against the Hawks and Cavaliers if they want to win this series. I'm sure they will step it up though because their "Boston 3 Party" really wants that title. I expect it to go no less than 6 games, and will most likely go 7.

I just can't wait for Game 1 tomorrow. It's the Final Showdown in the East!