The Pistons and Cavaliers have switched roles this year - the hunter has become the hunted and vice versa. The Pistons were on their roll when they went through their six straight Eastern Conference Finals run. And now they're on the down-tick. (They brought Iverson in to try to stay level.) And now the Cavaliers - after they beat the Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2007 - are on the up-tick. So, right now, the franchises have just reversed roles.
I don't look at the Pistons as a No. 8 seed if they're playing against us in the first round. Because it's a rivalry, they will play above their heads against us. Now, maybe they might not play like that against the Bulls or the Heat. But against us, they will be ready to play.
That's how they're going to look at it. And we're going to have to take care of our business. Because the homecourt advantage means you have to win your home games - but you still have to play those games, and you have to win them. You have to take care of your business.
And this game on Tuesday against Detroit, you want to send a message to let them know: If we meet you in the first round, it's not going to be easy coming here to Cleveland.
I don't imagine the team will say Tuesday's game is a "message game."
But it is.