For the third time in the last six years, the Magic will take on the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Playoffs.

Detroit has owned us over the last number of years. They've beaten us in 14 of the last 17 games. But don't get cocky, Piston fans. This Orlando Magic team is a much different club you'll face this go-round.

POINT GUARD: Jameer Nelson vs. Chauncey Billups

In the Philly series, Mr. Big Shot became the third leading scorer in Piston playoff history. He is the Pistons' all time playoff leader in three's made. Billups scares the heck outta me. He may have lost a quarter step over the last few years, but he still gets anywhere he wants on the floor and scores at will. Will this year be different? The critics (yours truly included) gave the advantage to Ford and Calderon in the last series. Ford and Calderon are now on summer vacation. Jameer is playing the best basketball of his career on both ends of the floor. Jameer was inspired by the first round diss. Here's more fuel for the fire!

EDGE: DETROIT

SHOOTING GUARD: Maurice Evans vs. Rip Hamilton

If Billups is fire, Rip is ice. Rip's the second leading scorer in Piston playoff history. He had 32 against us earlier this season. We couldn't guard him in last year's first round. But we have Rip's former teammate, Mo Evans, to chase him this year. At the very least, Mo's gonna make Rip work much harder than he did in last year's sweep.

EDGE: DETROIT

SMALL FORWARD: Hedo Turkoglu vs. Tayshawn Prince

Prince is a winner. Heck, the guy's been in the Eastern Conference Finals the first five years of his pro career. He's heady and he serves as the perfect compliment to the All Star backcourt. But Tayshawn has his hands full with Hedo. Turk needed the the R and R this week to get that calf strain right. Prince is one of the best defenders at his position, but, for some reason, Hedo gives Prince fits.

EDGE: MAGIC

POWER FORWARD: Rashard Lewis vs. Antonio Mcdyess

Mcdyess is a grizzled vet who fits in nicely with this squad. He's big, physical and will see time guarding and hacking Dwight. As usual, Rashard poses a big time matchup problem for Detroit. Mr. Max $ was worth his weight in gold in the Toronto series. Saturday night, Rashard shoots for his third consecutive double-double.

EDGE: MAGIC

CENTER: Dwight Howard vs. Rasheed Wallace

Wallace is a difficult matchup because of his versatility. Look for Rashard to guard him defensively. 'Sheed will be one of many bodying up to Dwight. He'll try to frustrate Dwight. He'll foul him hard and try to strip him of the ball. Superman became the first player since Wilt in 1972 to record three 20-20 games in the playoffs. He's playing the most determined basketball of his young career. Dwight will be tested physically and mentally.

EDGE: MAGIC

COACHES: Stan Van Gundy has had the midas touch all year. I don't see it stopping now. Flip Saunders gets a lot of flack, but the guy accumulated 59 wins this year, the second most wins in the NBA.

EDGE: MAGIC

PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE X-FACTOR: This Piston team has been to five straight conference title series and has won the Central Division in six of the last seven years. This team has played 100 playoff games the last five years. The Magic, during that span, have played 16 playoff games.

EDGE: DETROIT

PREDICTION: Since stumbling early vs. Philly, these Pistons are finally in a playoff rhythm. They have the experience factor going for them. Plus, they have home court. The Pistons were 34-7 at the Palace this season. But this homer loves the look of his team right now. Upset: MAGIC IN SIX!