It all comes down to one game now. Will the defending NBA champion Detroit Pistons advance to the finals to defend their title or will everybody's pre-season choice, the Miami Heat with superstar center Shaquille O'Neal, advance to their first ever NBA finals?

The Pistons staved off elimination by winning game six at the Palace in Auburn Hills by a convincing 91-66 score.

The health of two of Miami's star players will be a major factor in tonight's game. Shaq continues to fight through his nagging injury which has slowed down but not stopped the Heat's big man.

The key to the series, however, may revolve around the availability and performance of Miami's Dwayne Wade. Wade strained some rib muscles in the third quarter of game 5 and missed game 6 altogether. The injury makes breathing more difficult and even painful.

According to Wade's father, Dwayne Wade Sr., Wade will play tonight. 'I don't care if he's not 100 percent, even if he's only 30 percent, he will contribute,' Dwayne Wade Sr. told the Palm Beach Post. 'My word on it. He will play.'

The Heat would not comment on Wade's availability for tonight's game 7 but did indicate that if he did play, Wade would wear a protective vest on the court.

The decision may not be made until game time, recalling the heroics of Willis Reed in game 7 of the 1970 NBA finals. Reed made the first two baskets of the game but his mere appearance on the court after missing game 6 due to a bad knee inspired the New York Knicks to win their first NBA championship.

The winner of tonight's game will play the San Antonio Spurs in the finals beginning Thursday in San Antonio.