Preview of the NBA Playoffs

With the playoffs looming in the near future, teams in the NBA are gearing up, and hoping for, a long playoff run. Here is an in-depth look at the teams who have the best chance of representing the East in the NBA Finals.

Detroit Pistons

Starting Five - The Pistons have, by far, the best starting five in the Eastern Conference. Richard Hamilton and Chauncey Billups are likely the best backcourt in the league and can carry the team in scoring in any game. The frontcourt is also stacked with forwards Tayshaun Prince and Rasheed Wallace and center Chris Webber. Webber has largely made up for a terrible off-season signing in Nazr Mohammed, as the team has gone 15-3 with him as a starter. All five players are capable of big scoring nights.

Chris Webber can be a liability on defense which will force the Pistons to play a lot of zone defense. While they are talented enough to successfully wield this defense, they could fall into trouble against the better shooting teams.

Bench - While not as bad as last year, the Pistons bench still leaves a lot to be desired. Lindsey Hunter is a great defensive presence off the bench, but his scoring is sporadic. Carlos Delfino has taken great strides in his first year of significant playing time, but his inexperience shows the longer he plays. The same goes for Jason Maxiell, who has the talent to be a starter or sixth man but has suffered from the lack of consistent playing time.

Antonio McDyess is the lone threat off the Pistons bench in any game. Since the NBA switched back to the old leather ball, McDyess has been shooting lights out, with a field-goal percentage over 56% in 2007. Dale Davis provides another veteran big man off the bench who can provide tough defense and solid rebounding if called upon.