(1) Cleveland Cavaliers (61-21) vs. (8) Chicago Bulls (41-41)
The last time these two teams faced each other on April 8th, Chicago pulled off a thrilling victory that helped launch them into the playoffs over the Toronto Raptors. Problem is, the Bulls did so without soon to-be MVP LeBron James, who was resting before the start of the playoffs. This time around, James has promised the Bulls that they will face a “different monster” in the playoffs. Sporting the league’s best record this season, the Cavaliers are well equipped to make a strong run to Championship. Since his arrival in Cleveland, Coach Mike Brown has stressed defense and his team has responded — The Cavs ranked third in the league in Opponents field goal percentage (44.2%) this season. Cleveland also kept opponents off the glass; the team led the league in rebound differential (3.93), showing that they rarely give teams second chances on defense. Chicago on the other hand had a very up and down season. Amidst rumors of Coach Vinny Del Negro’s firing, cap clearing trades, front office disputes, and a key injury to the improved Joakim Noah, the Bulls struggled midway through the season before making a late push into the playoffs (12-17 in February and March, including a 10-game losing streak). The Bulls’ success in this series depends on the play of second year All-Star guard Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah (6-12 with Noah out of the lineup). Rose will need to shoot well from the field and use his ability to get into the paint at will to set up his teammates. Without departed guard Ben Gordon’s scoring and ability to make big shots for Chicago this year, Rose, Noah, and forward Luol Deng must transform the Bulls into a team of overachievers: the Bulls must play above their heads offensively and work hard on keeping LeBron James out of the paint — very difficult goals to accomplish four times out of seven games for a series victory. Joakim Noah has proclaimed that the Bulls plan on “shocking the world” by defeating Cleveland. LeBron James, along with a revamped supporting class which includes a returning Shaquille O’Neal (torn thumb ligaments), trade deadline acquisition Antawn Jamison, and Mo Williams, will make sure that Noah’s prediction won’t come true.
Prediction: Cavaliers in Five
(2) Orlando Magic (59-23) vs. (7) Charlotte Bobcats (44-38)
The defending eastern conference champion Orlando Magic hope to return to the NBA finals. Don’t let the high number of threes per game (27.3) the Magic shoot fool you: the team ranked in the top 5 in nearly every defensive category this season. Behind superstar center Dwight Howard, point guard Jameer Nelson, and forward Rashard Lewis, the Magic take on the Charlotte Bobcats, who made the playoffs for the first time in their 6 year history. Since acquiring Steven Jackson from the Warriors, the Bobcats have played with a confidence and swagger that propelled the team into the playoffs. The Bobcats rank 1st in the NBA in defensive efficiency and though they struggle to consistently score, they do a great job of controlling the tempo of their games. The Magic have the ability to sweep the Bobcats, provided they make their threes. However, it’s a well known fact that at times the team gets away from getting Dwight Howard the ball. Combine this fact with an off-shooting night, and Charlotte may be able to steal a game or two. Otherwise, look for the Magic to beat Larry Brown, Captain Jack, and the Bobcats.
Prediction: Magic in Five
(3) Atlanta Hawks (53-29) vs. (6) Milwaukee Bucks (46-36)
The Milwaukee Bucks have built off of last season’s 34 win campaign behind the development of their young players. Rookie Brandon Jennings, who generated some buzz around the league after a 55 point game in November, has since cooled off and shot 35% from the field from January to April. Much of the Bucks’ success this season should be credited to the lesser known talent on the roster. 2005 #1 overall pick Andrew Bogut stepped his game up this season, averaging 15.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. However, after dislocating his right elbow in an April 3 game against Phoenix, he will be out for the playoffs. It will be up to unproven forwards Ersan Ilyasova and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute to provide offensive and defensive support. Veterans Kurt Thomas, John Salmons, Carlos Delfino, Luke Ridnour, Jerry Stackhouse also headline a Bucks team that is eyeing an upset. Head Coach Scott Skiles is a serious coach of the year candidate, he got his team to work hard every night and squeezed every ounce out of the talent he was given. But is Milwaukee’s improvement this season enough for the Atlanta Hawks to “Fear the Deer”? Atlanta is the most athletic team in the NBA; few teams can match the Hawks’ explosiveness in a frontcourt that features Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, and Al Horford. In the backcourt, Mike Bibby will have his hands full dealing with Brandon Jennings, but the veteran guard is never afraid of taking the big shot. The Bucks also have no answer for the Hawks’ quiet, yet immensely talented leading man Joe Johnson. Sixth-man of the year candidate Jamal Crawford is impossible to guard when hot, making up for an otherwise underwhelming bench that features the likes of Zaza Pachulia, Jeff Teague, and Mo Evans. Brandon Jennings has slowed down since his hot start, but with his lightning-quick first step and Milwaukee’s hardnosed style of play, the Bucks will make Atlanta work in order to make it to the second round. To win a game, the Bucks will have to shoot well from the field and make sure they provide extra help on defense now that Andrew Bogut won’t be providing a shot-blocking presence. Atlanta will win this series, but the Bucks will go down swinging.
Prediction: Hawks in Six
(4) Boston Celtics (50-32) vs. (5) Miami Heat (47-35)
Does it feel like the Celtics won 50 games this year? After winning the title in 2008, the Celtics have looked old, slow, and indifferent on the court. Since starting the season at 23-8 the Celtics played near .500 basketball (27-24) from January to the end of the season. The Celtics’ team mantra “Ubuntu” calls for team generosity and a strong sense of community. However, 2009-2010 Celtics season hasn’t been filled with peace and happiness. Boston has a laundry list on issues on and off the court. Kevin Garnett has looked gimpy since undergoing knee procedures. GM Danny Ainge’s questioning of Rajon Rondo’s maturity led to trade rumors over the summer. Ray Allen’s name was also mentioned in trade rumors. Some have been calling for the firing of Coach Doc Rivers. The offseason signing of Rasheed Wallace hasn’t gone as planned; Wallace shot a career worst 40.9% from the field and 28.3% from behind the arc this season. Trade Deadline acquisition Nate Robinson has not provided the spark off the bench the Celtics hoped he would. There have even been rumors circulating that there is some locker room friction between the Celtics “Big Three” of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett and the younger starters, Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins. The Celtics take all of their baggage into their first round matchup against the Miami Heat. The Miami Heat are all about Dwayne Wade. Wade leads the worst supporting cast in the playoffs in a matchup against the 2008 champs. The key for a Miami series victory is plain and simple: Dwyane Wade be Dwyane Wade and carry the Heat on his back offensively. He has to shoot well from the field, get to the line, and find open shots for his teammates. The Heat must also continue to play the solid defense that guided them to the second best Opponents field goal percentage in the NBA (43.9%). As far as first round matchups go in the east, Miami has the greatest chance to pull off an upset. Yet despite the Celtics’ internal troubles, they still have enough talent to beat the Heat. The team issues may resurface to trip the Celtics up in the second round, but they should be able to handle Dwyane Wade’s outbursts over the course of a 7 game series.
Prediction: Celtics in 7