I would truly like to think that the Sixers have a chance against the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs, which begin in Detroit tomorrow.  However, my mind won’t let me get to wistful in dreaming of an upset.

The Sixers have put together an amazing season, and despite their late season swoon (losses in 5 of their last 6 games), they have nothing to be ashamed of as players like Andre Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert proved they were worth more than people gave them credit, and youngsters like Thadeus Young and Lou Williams showed amazing maturity and provide hope going into next season.

But this season is still going strong, so let’s not close the door on the chapter just yet.  The Pistons have about 400 more games of playoff experience (and 1 more Championship) then the Sixers, and that only takes into account their starting 5.  However the Sixers are young and the Pistons have the look of a team that’s been going through the motions the last few weeks despite their impressive 59 win season.

Hopefully the Sixers can come away with a win, and possibly two if the Pistons take their time to re-gel after resting their players for most of the month of April.  What I hope the Sixers get out of this playoff appearance is to establish their identity as a team that plays hard and fast and matches that up with aggressive D.

Losing like they did in the last week of the season with playoff seeding on the line is not how you want to head into the playoffs.  Even Andre Miller mentioned how much more difficult it is to overcome a bad stretch heading into playoff basketball… Piston Style.  The Pistons will slow the game down, with the presence of Philly high school legend Rasheed Wallace, who despite getting along in years, is still as intimidating a presence on the court as anyone in the league.

but the series will be won with the experience, poise and clutch shooting from Chauncey Billups and hometown product Richard Hamilton (does anyone call him “Rip” anymore?).

I think it will go 5 games.  What the Sixers leave the experience with is up to them, but all you can ask for is to add another rung to the ladder on the way back to contending for a title, and they should carry that rung proudly.