LeBron James begins his quest for a sixth-consecutive NBA Finals appearance while trying to bring Cleveland its elusive championship. In its way stand the Pistons, one of James' rivals from his first go-round in Cleveland.
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Detroit Pistons
Game 1 - Cavaliers 106, Pistons 101
Game 2 – Cavaliers 107, Pistons 90
Game 3 – Cavaliers 101, Pistons 91
Game 4 – Sunday at Detroit 8:30 p.m. TNT
Game 5 – Tuesday at Cleveland TBD (If necessary)
Game 6 – April 28 at Detroit TBD (If necessary)
Game 7 – April 30 at Cleveland TBD TNT (If necessary)
Season series: Pistons lead 3-1
Cavs starting lineup: G Kyrie Irving (19.6 pgg, 4.7 apg); G J.R. Smith (12.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg); F LeBron James (25.3 ppg, 6.8 apg); F Kevin Love (16.0 ppg, 9.9 rpg); C Tristan Thompson (7.9 ppg, 9.1 rpg).
Pistons starting lineup: G Reggie Jackson (18.8 ppg, 6.2 apg); G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (14.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg); F Tobias Harris (14.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg); F Marcus Morris (14.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg); C Andre Drummond (16.2 ppg, 14.8 rpg).
Cavs win if: LeBron James maintains his current form. James said he was flipping into playoff mode a bit earlier this season, and he kept his word. Over his last 10 games, James has averaged 28.4 points, 8.5 assists and 8 rebounds on 62% shooting. He was ruthlessly efficient (13-of-16 for 34 points) in the Cavs’ win against Atlanta, which clinched the East’s top seed. Kyrie Irving may not be a pass-first point guard, but he doesn’t need to be when James runs the point as often as he does. Tristan Thompson, a recent addition to the Cavs’ starting lineup, should give Detroit’s frontcourt fits.
Pistons win if: It’s going to take more than a few lucky breaks for the Pistons to pull the upset, but if they want to threaten the Cavaliers, they must defend, rebound and avoid a fast-paced series. Andre Drummond has averaged 20.3 points and 13.6 rebounds in three matchups vs. Cleveland this year, and the Pistons can review film of their Feb. 22nd win, when they forced LeBron into one of his worst games of the season. Reggie Jackson is navigating a recent abdominal strain but isn’t expected to miss time for the playoffs. In reality, there isn’t much pressure on the Pistons, who are in the playoffs for the first time since 2008-09. Not to mention, Stan Van Gundy’s coaching acumen far outweighs that of first-year coach Tyronn Lue.
Need to know: LeBron James is 10-0 in the first round of his NBA career.
Stan Van Gundy’s Magic knocked James’ Cavs out of the postseason in 2009.
Sam Amick's pick: Cavaliers in 5; Jeff Zillgitt's pick: Cavaliers in 4
