Chicago Bulls (62-20) vs. Indiana Pacers (37-45) - This one might be a sweep. Indiana may get one game, but this one is a no brainer. The Bulls are hot right now and have the potential league MVP on the team. Their frontcourt is second to none with Boozer and Noah (and Gibson coming off the bench). Their run will depend on Luol Deng who has played well this season. I'll say Bulls in a sweep.
Orlando Magic (52-30) vs. Atlanta Hawks (44-38) - I'm torn on this one being a Hawks fan. There is not a more frustrated fan base right now than Hawks nation due to the inconsistent play. They did take the season series 3-1 from Orlando. I am not sure which Hawks team will show up. Let's see how Game 1 turns out. The Hawks problems are more mental than anything else. If they lose game one, it may determine the series. Since Game 1 is in Orlando, I am going with Orlando in 6. I hate to say it, but that's my gut. I hope I'm wrong.
Miami Heat (58-24) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (41-41) - I say the Heat in 5 or 6. Philly could make this interesting. Lou Williams will be back which is huge for the Sixers. Without him they have struggled. Depending on his play, they may steal an extra game.
Boston Celtics (56-26) vs. New York Knicks (42-40) - Some are calling this one the East upset much I like I predicted with the Blazers in the West. This won't happen here though. Boston in 6 games. Until the Knicks play some better defense, they won't beat the Celts in a 7 game series. If the Knicks can score out of their minds they may push it to 7. It will be a good series to watch with some close games. By no means will this be easy for Boston.
Okay so the second round would be Bulls-Magic, Celtics-Heat. I'll go with the Bulls-Celtics in the East finals with the Bulls advancing. If Shaq is not able to go, the Heat could get there, but I am thinking Shaq will be ready. This is the spotlight he lives for.
So my finals matchup is the Bulls-Thunder. The main reason for my pick is these are two teams who are talented enough to go toe to toe with the big dogs (Lakers, Celtics, etc.). The difference is, they are a lot younger than these teams and thus will be fresher when they play these teams in their respective Conference Finals games. Also, the Celtics are depending on Shaq, the Lakers are depending on Bynum. Need I say more. Both the Bulls and Thunder have excellent frontcourts. This may not be the series the League wants ratings wise, but it will be fun to watch if it happens. I would pick the Bulls in seven games in the finals. The trophy will come back to the Windy City this year.
Lastly, I did not pick the Heat. Although they have the 3 of the top 5 NBA players, they are still lacking at point guard and center. The top teams in the Eastern Conference all have great players at those positions and it will be too much for the Heat in the second round.
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