Nothing will come easy for the Nets. The Pistons will slow it down. When they shoot, they’ll send Ben Wallace to the offensive glass and four guys the other way to stop Jason Kidd and the running game. The Nets must be patient and disciplined. And they must defend, because the ultra-deep Pistons certainly will.
POINT GUARD
Chauncey Billups vs. Jason Kidd
Billups, bothered by ankle sprain, has been NBA’s best at producing game-winning shots – see Philly, Game 6. Gives Pistons size to defend Kidd, who must contest Billups and make him work on other end. Kidd is, well, Kidd.
Edge: NETS
SHOOTING GUARD
Richard Hamilton vs. Kerry Kittles
Two of NBA’s fastest off guards. Hamilton owns one of NBA’s best mid-range games, has a terrific off-the-dribble jumper. When Kittles plays well, Nets win.
Edge: PISTONS
SMALL FORWARD
Michael Curry vs. Richard Jefferson
Curry starts, but Corliss Williamson or Tayshaun Prince finishes. Curry is defense-minded vet. He’ll look to shoot early, but he’s there to defend. Jefferson is blossoming to legit star status. Edge: NETS
POWER FORWARD
Cliff Robinson vs. Kenyon Martin
Robinson is underrated post defender who struggles with offense in postseason (32 percent vs. Magic and 76ers). Martin has been super in playoffs, using confidence, will, athleticism – and an emerging jumper.
Edge: NETS
CENTER
Ben Wallace vs Jason Collins
Wallace is Defensive Player of the Year; has great timing, athletic ability, superb agility for his size, with good reaction and anticipation. Offensively, if it’s not a dunk, chances are it’s a miss. Collins is the Nets’ blue-collar hero.
Edge: PISTONS
BENCH
Pistons’ depth is the best in league, especially with emergence of Prince and Mehmet Okur. Williamson is strong post scorer. Zeljko Rebraca has excelled against Nets. Jon Barry and Chucky Atkins are 3-point threats with energy. The Nets need strong minutes from Anthony Johnson to rest Kidd. Lucious Harris must score in the halfcourt and defend. Rodney Rogers and Aaron Williams must rebound.
Edge: PISTONS
COACH
Rick Carlisle vs. Byron Scott
Carlisle is low-key type who emphasizes defense. Opposing coaches say he manages clock and uses timeouts as well as anyone. Scott just keeps winning. Good staffs on both sides.
Edge: PISTONS
PREDICTION
The Pistons, with depth and defense, didn’t win 50 games by luck. They’ve been all-time best 11-0 in OT, including two playoff wins. The Nets have the superstar in Kidd, but Detroit has very good players in abundance. In October, we picked Nets to win it all. Can’t stop now.
NETS IN SIX
REGULAR-SEASON RESULTS
Dec. 15 at Detroit
PISTONS 101, Nets 91: Nets miss 26 of last 32 shots and see five-game winning streak end. Detroit bench scores 58 points.
Dec. 21 at Meadowlands
NETS 100, Pistons 92: Jason Kidd leads the .521-shooting offense with 27 points as Nets go to 14-1 at home with 9th straight win there. Pistons commit 23 turnovers.
Feb. 1 at Detroit
PISTONS 106, Nets 84: No Jason Kidd (groin). No Richard Jefferson (stomach virus). No chance for Nets.
