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PRO BASKETBALL — May 13
Game 5 — Eastern Conference Playoffs
ORLANDO (+6) at DETROIT (Total 186.5) — Orlando got a great reputation for being tough on the road this season (27-14 SU & ATS), but that didn’t mean much when these teams hooked up for the first two games at the Palace, as the Pistons won decisions by margins of 19 and seven points, covering both. With the exception of the first game of the series, Orlando has been able to hit double digits in three-pointers, but the Magic missed a golden opportunity when they could not beat a Detroit team that was without Chauncey Billups. And it’s not as if the Pistons played shut-down defense on them either, with Orlando hitting almost 47%. But the matchup advantages have brought the Pistons to 11 wins in the last 12 home meetings with Orlando, and as long as Dwight Howard doesn’t run wild (eight points, 12 boards, one block in Game 4), Detroit should be able to close things out. Quick note: Billups will participate in the shootaround and might play.
JAY’S PLAY: DETROIT **
