Is Billups ready to lead Pistons over Magic in Game 4?

The answer to that could probably have an effect on this best-of-seven second round series.

The Pistons and the Magic will resume their best-of-seven war in the 2008 NBA playoffs on Saturday for Game 4 with Orlando still trailing 2-1. STILL, with Billups questionable for Detroit, the Magic have the best opportunity to tie this series come game time.

You read it people, Chauncey Billups is questionable for the Detroit Pistons when they take on the Magic in Orlando this Saturday. Billups strained his right hamstring with just only four minutes past the very first quarter of Game 3. With their floor general down, the Magic took advantage en route to a convincing 111-86 win Wednesday night.

Will Chauncey Billups be available for Detroit to play the Orlando Magic in Game 4? Detroit fans certainly hope so. ''That's going to be a decision Arnie and him are going to have to make,'' Detroit Pistons head coach Flip Saunders said of his strength and conditioning coach Arnie Kander and his star guard Chauncey Billups.

''If he's ready to go he's going to play. If he doesn't go it's more than likely that he's not going to be able to function at a high enough percentage to where it's going to matter if he plays or not.''

For what it's worth, Arnie Kander claims they are fortunate Chauncey Billups didn't suffer a high-velocity injury. ''This was just stretch-related,'' Kander said. ''He went a little beyond his normal range. But you don't fear these as much as the ones that are speed-based.''

Kander also said an MRI won't be necessary.

''You can tell more by your hands,'' Kander said. ''The fibers felt great. He was walking as he left the arena, walking normally. He was looking good. If he feels as good in the morning as he did last night, to me that's tremendous. Usually in the morning you feel really bad, and he didn't.''

Let's hope all these are not merely wishful thinking.

Who will win the NBA title in the 2007-08 NBA basketball season? AcesAce Sportsbook has the odds.

San Antonio Spurs EVEN +350

Cleveland Cavaliers EVEN +1,300

Boston Celtics EVEN +450

Detroit Pistons EVEN +1,000

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Detroit Pistons Orlando Magic