NBA Playoffs – Eastern Conference

1 Indiana Pacers vs 8 Atlanta Hawks

Is it odd to say that I’ve never felt so underwhelmed by a #1 seed? The Pacers basically imploded in the final month of the NBA season. Everything from losing the #1 seed at one point, to having arguments between teammates. The Hawks crawled into the playoffs with a losing record of 38-44 and don’t have much to show for it. Other than that, there’s really nothing to say here. Although the Pacers have had their problems, this matchup should be a cake walk.

Pacers in 4

2 Miami Heat vs 7 Charlotte Bobcats

The Heat played some pretty decent basketball to end the season but as we all know, they turn into a different monster in the postseason. The Bobcats recorded their second playoff berth since their formation in 2004 and their second best win percentage in the same span. Kemba Walker had his best all-around season as captain of the Bobcats but the only way I would give this team more credit is ff Michael Jordan was 15 years younger. Come on, MJ, Walker, Kidd-Gilchrist, and Jefferson? Who wouldn’t like that team? Well, back down to earth and the Heat fans should be able to bring out the brooms.

Heat in 4

3 Toronto Raptors vs 6 Brooklyn Nets

This is the only upset I have in the East. The Nets were abysmal at the beginning of the season but got it clicking as they got more playtime together. If it weren’t for that, Jason Kidd may have been fired from his first gig as a head coach. I like the Raptors. What’s not to like about them? DeMar DeRozan has lead the hungry reptiles to a season that nobody saw coming. Of course, the Eastern Conference wasn’t very strong, but the fact that they still got out with the #3 seed is quite astonishing. Unfortunately for them, I’ll be going with the veterans on the other side of the court. Not by much though.

Nets in 7

4 Chicago Bulls vs 5 Washington Wizards

The Bulls are a team with so much potential but seem to miss that one piece that keeps them from being a championship caliber team. Joakim Noah emerged as not just the defensive leader of this team, but the man who carried this team to this point with career highs in points per game, rebounds per game, and assists per game. If it weren’t for him, I would see the Bulls being an 8 seed at best. If it weren’t for the injuries to Derrick Rose, there would be no doubt in my mind that they would at least be a #2 seed. The Wizards on the other hand, are a pretty solid team. John Wall got a very nice extension last June and it’s paying off. With the addition of Marcin Gortat proved to be important and helped them make that jump. I see this going all the way but the Bulls depth and hunger to be “more than just Rose” will lift them into the next round.

Bulls in 7