No. 2 Detroit Pistons vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers

Last season: Pistons lost to Cleveland in the Eastern Conference finals; Sixers failed to make the playoffs.

Overview: Ex-Ute Andre Miller was never as prolific a scorer as Allen Iverson. He's not as flashy or newsworthy, either. But Miller, who was traded by the Nuggets to Philly last season, was just the steadying influence the 76ers needed to get back to respectability. After nearly making the '07 playoffs, the 76ers actually got there this year with Miller leading the way. Philadelphia's other Andre, Andre Iguodala, is the team's top scorer, averaging 20 points per game. But Miller (17 ppg, 6.9 apg) was the undisputed floor general during Philly's better-than-expected campaign.

The Sixers have been rewarded with the chance to play the most battle-tested NBA team not from the Alamo City. Detroit just continues to be a consistent winner. The Pistons have been to the Eastern Conference finals four straight seasons and figure to get back there again this year. The group of Chauncey Billups, Richard "Rip" Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince have been together for an eternity, by NBA standards. Most experts figure they will make quick work of the upstart 76ers.

Then again, the Sixers gave the Pistons some trouble during the regular season, as the teams split their four games. Philly even won a game on Detroit's home court.

Prediction: The Pistons will dominate. Detroit in five.

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Season series: tied, 2-2

Sunday at Pistons, 4 p.m.

Wed. at Pistons, 5:30 p.m.

Friday at 76ers, 5 p.m.

April 27 at 76ers, 5 p.m.

April 29 at Pistons, TBA *

May 1 at 76ers, TBA *

May 3 at Pistons, TBA *

* if necessary

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E-mail: lojo@desnews.com