Game 1 of the Pistons/76ers first round series is tonight at 6 pm est from the Palace of Auburn Hills. Local viewers can tune into FSN Detroit to catch the action, for everyone else there’s TNT.

(AP Photo/H. Rumph, Jr., File)

Well, here we are. The NBA Playoffs have officially begun. The Pistons stayed focused and ended with a very respectable 59 wins and a #2 seed. The regulars seem hungrier than they’ve been since perhaps 2004 and they’ve developed a very formidable bench to keep pace when the first group needs a breather.

All the preseason objectives have been addressed and accomplished. Now it’s time to go out and compete the the championship.

Up first are the young and athletic 76ers. They’ve overachieved just to get into the playoffs. Now the odds are really catching up with them.

It’ll be important for the Pistons to jump on Philly early tonight and really assert themselves. The 76ers are going to want to force turnovers and try to run on us, that’s how they’ve been most successful against the Pistons this season. It’s imperative for the Pistons to control tempo and take care of the ball. Afford the Sixers no confidence by way of them stealing one at the Palace.

All the Pistons have to do is respect the Sixers and take care of business and they should be waiting for a second round opponent.