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The Celtics will not be favored, but then again, they’ve been in that position for much of this past winter. They are being doubted again, and frankly, I can’t blame the prognosticators or Las Vegas bookmakers.
But the Celtics have played their best when they had to. As Doc Rivers said, their wins in Game 5 and Game 7 in both the Atlanta and Cleveland series should not be overlooked.
Detroit is better than both of those teams, but I believe the Celtics may have found themselves in Game 7 on Sunday. Paul Pierce realized if there is going to be an opportunity for a championship it’s going to be with the ball in his hands.
I believe both the Celtics and Pistons will win a game on the road, which will be a new twist to these playoffs. I expect four, maybe even five games that come down to the final minute.
If Ray Allen finds himself and Kevin Garnett can keep Rasheed Wallace from taking over a game or two, the Celtics will be the better team.
As for the rest, we can count on Chauncey Billups having an edge on Rajon Rondo, and Richard Hamilton will get his 20 a game.
But that’s OK. The Celtics have as much firepower, albeit a tad disappointing thus far in the playoffs, and they are maybe even better as a defensive unit.
Detroit’s very good. So are the Celtics.
It will go seven games and the Celtics will advance, thanks to Paul Pierce.
What do you think?