The Celtics were 31-10 on the road in the regular season, 0-6 in the playoffs. Will they get the trend back in their favor in Detroit? I'm not betting on it.
It's in the match-ups. Wallace has to shoot effectively from the outside to neutralize KG in the middle; he'll do it at home but not on the road. Tayshaun has to stop Pierce; he'll do it at home but not on the road. Billups can outscore Rondo even with a gimpy leg but at home Rondo will get the calls and that first step might be all he'll need to be successful. The benches are suspect, each bringing an uninspiring mix of re-treads and greenhorns. Bench players always play better at home though its hard to see either bench making too much of a difference (unless Billups ends up hurt and the Pistons have to go to Rodney Stuckey but I don't see that happening).
The X-factor is Ray Allen. He's been virtually invisible so far but matching up with Rip Hamilton will bring out the best in him. In the first round Joe Johnson ran him ragged and in the next Wally Sczerbiak gave him no inspiration. He's ready to bust out and now is the time.
I'm taking the Celtics in 7. Home team wins every game? Yup, I'm sticking with the Celtics even though they've given me no reason for my faith. By game 7 the Celtics will be mentally and spiritually wrecked but I think at their lowest point is when they'll finally get over the nerves and just play some ball. This game 7 will be a classic.
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