Drive to the Finals Expert Pick: 5/1/08
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By Ben Couch

What is up, one game on the schedule? This greatly simplifies the decision-making process for Thursday's Drive to the Finals pick.

We're looking at Philadelphia visiting Detroit, with the Pistons leading the series, 3-2. Since Philly is facing elimination, that roster gets the long look.

You're really choosing between two players, if you plan on getting decent production: Philadelphia's pair of Andres, Iguodala and Miller. Each has a 23.4 PRA through five games, but based on the season -- and common sense -- Iguodala has to be the pick. If you go with Miller, you're hoping the Sixers are moving the ball and Miller's teammates are finishing. Without other players making buckets, you're left hoping Miller's shaky jumper is falling, and that a point guard decides it's time to show rebounding prowess

The big debate entering the year was whether Iguodala could serve as a No. 1 option on a contending squad. While that might be asking a bit much, he's certainly proven he can be No. 1 on a legitimate playoff team, especially now that Philly has taken two from the Pistons, who were expected to whomp the Sixers.

Iguodala's 30.1 regular-season PRA means he's the Sixers' most consistent, and highest-ceiling candidate. Miller's been playing to his average, while Iggy is down. Expect a bounceback from the "other" AI with elimination putting the pressure on. You don't want to toss out Miller and watch the Sixers' ship go down with Iguodala helplessly standing on the sidelines as your DTF ship sinks.

Not to mention picking either Andre leaves you multiple options on the Pistons for future games, including a potential Game 7 in this series, when any Piston becomes more enticing than Miller. (See why 'Dre I is the man of the moment?)

If the Sixers win, a big game from AI will be inherent, and you'll get to do whatever your Andre Miller-loving heart wants in the series finale.

That said, it's up to Iggy to do our DTF PRA better than similarly initialed Allen Iverson did (22, on April 26).

We've got your back Andre -- do you have ours?

Play Drive to the Finals Now!

Andre Iguodala, PHIWhen: Thursday, May 1 at 8 p.m. ET
Opponent: vs. Detroit
Pts: 19.9 Reb: 5.4 Ast: 4.8
Regular Season Average PRA: 30.1
Yesterday's Pick: Caron Butler, WAS (46 PRA)
Expert Pick Playoffs Total: 336
Expert Pick Archive
1. Andre Miller, PHI vs. DET (27.9 PRA)
2. Samuel Dalembert, PHI vs. DET (21.4 PRA)
3. Rasheed Wallace, DET @ PHI (21.1 PRA)
If you're not feeling Iggy, Andre Miller should be your No. 2 option -- his PRA nearly matches that of his first-option namesake. It comes down to who you think will have a bigger game. In the event you don't like Andre No. 2, either, but think the Sixers will lose, check down their roster for Samuel Dalembert, who could do a Dwight Howard impression and post a 20-20 ... or perform a disappearing act and throw up a 5-5.

However, if you think the Sixers will knock out the Pistons in the next two, with apologies to Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace is your best bet for a big Game 6, while keeping Chauncey Billups in your pocket for Game 7.

Saturday
May 17
WNBA Regular Season Begins

Tuesday
May 20
NBA Draft Lottery

Thursday
June 5
NBA Finals start

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