Eastern Conference Playoff Preview (Rd 1)

1) Cleveland Cavs vs 8) Detroit Pistons

Preview - Lebron James is basically running the NBA these days. Every day there is another article written, or photo shoot taken, or interview, or something, anything about Lebron. He is a legit NBA Superstar who has taken his defense to another level this season and it has helped the Cavalier team immensely. Mark me as one who thinks Coach K and Team USA had something to do with this transition. The Detroit Pistons have had a lackluster performance all season. Stuckey has not been what Joe D thought he would be. Rasheed has been exactly what everyone thought he was. Rip has gone stretches where he can't make an open jumper. Tayshaun is the most overrated player in the NBA. The Pistons have had a few good stretches in what has been a rough season. It is hard when your coach has no idea (M Curry), and the only PG on your roster is Will Bynum.

Prediction -Cavs in 4. Lebron and the boys will be dancing on the sidelines again, Pistons fans will complain about Lebron getting all the whistles, and Mo Williams will destroy Rodney Stuckey.

2) Boston Celtics vs 7) Chicago Bulls

Preview - Boston just got the news that KG is probably done for the playoffs. That is terrible news for a very talented team that had dreams of repeating as NBA Champs. KG has been called the heart and soul of this franchise since he arrived in Bean-town. Here's the thing though, they still have Pierce and Allen. These two can dominate games and have throughout the season. The Bulls are a young team that has improved as the season progressed. GM Paxson made a crucial trade acquiring SG J Salmons and C B Miller from Sacramento. Since the trade the Bulls have been much improved. SF Tyrus Thomas has blossomed this season and should pair with Rose for the next decade in Chicago.

Prediction - Celtics in 5. Boston is still too talented to lose to this Bulls team. They will have a lot to prove now that pretty much everyone has said that their season is over. D Rose is an All-star in waiting, but these Bulls are still a couple years away from being serious contenders.

3) Orlando Magic vs 6) Philadelphia 76ers

Preview - That Magic have become a much better defensive team in the 08-09 season. They still are not Boston/Cleveland defensively, but they are also not the pushover they once were. Dwight Howard may win Defensive Player of the Year, and he has controlled the paint all season on both ends. The play of Rafer Alston, Rashard Lewis, and Hedo Turkoglu will determine how far the Magic go in the playoffs. The 76ers were once called "dead" by many NBA experts. They signed PF Elton Brand to a monster deal in the offseason only to see both him getting injured, and the team playing better without him. Andre Igoudala can take over games and PG Andre Miller just gets it done. The emergence of SF Thaddeus Young has been a big reason for the teams success this year.

Prediction- Magic in 5. Too much Dwight, the role players on the Magic will step up. The 76ers will play energized in Philly and could steal a couple games there if the Magic arent careful. Dwight will have a couple 20/20 games in this series and Hedo will hit some big shots. NBA fans will see that Thaddeus Young is a future star, but not enough to win this year. The Magic will dominate inside/out.

4) Atlanta Hawks vs 5) Miami Heat

Preview - The Atlanta Hawks have been solid all year. Pretty much locked into the 4 spot since November. Joe Johnson is a versatile sharp shooting Guard who can play/defend multiple positions. PF Josh Smith is a highlight reel type player, but he bangs inside and plays defense as well. The Hawks problem is their depth, if they don't get 80+ from the starting 5 they are in trouble, SG Flip Murray is the only solid player off the Atlanta bench. The Heat have been led by NBA MVP Candidate Dwyane Wade. He has led a young team to the 5 seed in the East. Wade has made 40 points a regular occurance. Rookie Forward M Beasley has been good, but has not dominated in year one quite like everyone expected.

Prediction - Heat in 7. This should be one of the best series for NBA fans. D Wade should drop a ton of points, and the Hawks should provide plenty of highlights. This series has 7 games written all over it. Will D Wade carry the Heat to victory? Will M Bibby lead the Hawks into victory? I say D Wade gets it done, but barely.