Eastern Conference Finals Preview

So i'm taking a much needed break from preparing for europe and i thought i'd throw out some thoughts on the Pistons-Cavs series which begins tonight at 8pm EST.

First, i will just get this out there: i don't see how the Cavs can win this series unless LeBron has the performance choi demands of him (50-15-12) every night. the Cavs are simply over-matched here in my view. why you ask? here's why:
(1) Chauncey Billups v Larry Hughes. this matchup seems extremely lopsided to me, and that's coming from a st. louis native who probably over-estimates the talent of Hughes. i feel like the veteran experience and power of billups and the overly gambling defense of Hughes will mesh to create a hugely favorable matchup for the Pistons here. And should the Cavs try to use the defensive edge that Eric Snow provides, the offensive production drop off will offset the defensive benefits.
(2) LeBron's willingness to (as choi would say) "phone in" games. i respect LeBron as a competitor and believe he will come out determined to lead the Cavs to victory early in this series. however, should the Cavs fall into a quick 2-0 or even 3-0 hole, i believe that LeBron may indeed phone it in. also regarding LeBron, i feel like the matchup against Prince may irritate him. Prince is long enough and moves his feet quick enough, while still being a pretty physical defender, that he may well bug LeBron.
(3) the wizards and the nets: the cavs really have not had to beat a true competitor yet. apologies to vince carter and the nets, but i feel like that team had some definite flaws and the cavs should have been able to put them away easily. the pistons on the other hand had to face choi's pick to win the east, the bulls - which i still think was a solid choice, and after a little two game slide they took care of business against the only really competitor either of the two teams has had to face. (the wizards and the magic really shouldn't have even shown up).

So yeah, the edge is definitely with the Pistons. i'm going to go ahead and say Pistons in six because i do believe LeBron will come up with two games where he carries the Cavs on his back to victory. However, i don't think he can do it four times. So yeah Pistons in six.

Choi what's your prediction?