NBA Playoffs Preview: Eastern Conference
Written by Jeff Brous Thursday, 01 April 2010 08:59
After recently watching ESPN’s “30 for 30” on Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks, I realized why the NBA fell off people’s radar following Michael Jordan’s retirement. The intensity was gone. During the Pacers-Knicks rivalry of the mid 90’s, each team decided that they would not give up any lay-ups. So every time a player did attempt a layup, he would end up on his back. That was the way things
were back then; teams did not like each other. That's why I love the NBA playoffs. Although you don't know when it’s going to come, sure enough, there will be at least one series that is more intense than Mr. Hand at the start of a new school year (Think last years Bulls/Celtics series. Aloha Mr. Spicoli). With that being said, let’s take a look at the playoff teams that could actually make some noise this year (Sorry Toronto, Miami, Charlotte, Portland and San Antonio. Try again next year):
- Milwaukee Bucks: Everyone’s favorite story line since the All-Star break, and for good reason too. They’ve won 15 of 19 since the break, they have an exciting rookie who could go for 30 on any given night, they have one of, if not the best passing big man in the game, and a rejuvenated John Salmons who played a crucial part in the previously mentioned Bulls/Celtics series. If I were the Hawks and Celtics, I would do everything in my power to make sure I finish 3rd to avoid playing the Bucks in the first round.
- Atlanta Hawks: This team is more mysterious than an Agatha Christie novel. Some nights they look unbeatable, other nights they look pedestrian. Clearly they’re a top four team in the East, but what does that really say about them? The Hawks could make a run to the Conference finals if Josh Smith can play to his potential, if Jamal Crawford can limit his bad shots, and if Mike Bibby can get in touch with Brett Favre and figure out how to extend his career. That’s a lot of ifs for a supposed ‘championship contender’. Joe Johnson will be solid, but if they go down 2-0 or 3-1, how hard will he be playing knowing he’s not coming back to Atlanta next year? Do not expect much from this Hawks team.
- Boston Celtics: If the playoffs were a best of three series, I might pick the Celtics to make a run to the finals. Unfortunately, this team has to stay healthy for upwards of 20 straight games. I just don’t see it happening. They proved they are still a tough team to beat by trouncing the Nugg
ets last week, but there is no way they can chase Lebron around for 7 games and come out on top. Rondo has already proved himself as a top tier point guard but these playoffs provide an opportunity for him to separate himself from the Derrick Rose/Devin Harris area and vault himself into the Chris Paul/ Deron Williams discussion. Rondo is a special player, he just needs help from the other 4 guys on the downside of their careers (Garnett, Wallace, Pierce, and Allen). - Orlando Magic/Cleveland Cavaliers: Clearly the two best teams in the east. I think it would take a ’07-’08 New York Mets collapse for these teams not to meet in the Conference finals. Dwight Howard vs. Lebron James: How many times do you think they’ll meet in the conference finals before their careers are over? I’ll set the over/under at 8 and I’m leaning towards the over. For NBA fans, there is nothing better. Two high-flying superstars, in the primes of their careers, hungry for their first championship. I’m getting excited just thinking about it. Although the Magic won last year, I don’t see it happening again. They added Vince “Half-man, Half-retired” Carter while getting rid of two key players from last year’s finals team (Raefer Alston and Courtney Lee). The Cavs, on the other hand, went out and got Antawn Jamison, Shaquille O’Neal’s corpse, and managed to re-sign Big Z after trading him months earlier. Let’s not forget the emergence of JJ Hickson, who compliments Lebron perfectly, and the fact that they are peaking at the right time (currently on an 8 game win streak. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they finished on an 18 game win streak finishing the year at 67-15. I’m not saying it’s going to happen, I just wouldn’t be surprised).
The Pick: Upset Alert for whoever ends up with the 4 seed. Pretty standard from there on out. The Cleveland Cavaliers will represent the East in this year’s finals.
