Eastern Conference Playoff Preview (Rd 2)

1) Cleveland Cavs vs 4) Atlanta Hawks

Preview -Cleveland absolutely demolished the Detroit Pistons in the first round. Every game was decided by a dozen or more, and none of the games were in question in the 4th quarter. The Hawks played a strange series against the Heat, every game was a blowout, but the series went 7 games. The Hawks are a much improved team, and from time to time look like a very good team. The problem is that sometimes they look like a team that should not have made the playoffs.

Prediction -Cavs in 4. I just cannot see a team that lost by 20 points 3 times against a one man team beating the Cavaliers. Lebron is too good, and for once he has help. Mo Williams and Delonte West have brought their games up this year, and the bigs are better in Cleveland than Atlanta.

2) Boston Celtics vs 3) Orlando Magic

Preview - Orlando dispatched of the 76ers in 6 games, they actually beat the Sixers in Philly without Dwight. To beat Boston, Dwight will need to be closer to 30 Points than 20 a night. Boston has problems inside, Leon Powe was added to the Injured List, joining KG. Boston had a series that by now everyone knows about. Almost every game was long, and exhausting. That could have a factor, especially in games 1 and 2 which are in Boston. Ray Allen played at a superstar level versus the Bulls and will need to continue that against Orlando.

Prediction - Celtics in 7. I think this will be another long series. Boston is more talented than most give them credit. They still have 2 Hall of Famers on this team, they lack depth inside, but can attack from the perimeter as good as anyone. Expect Dwight to put up HUGE numbers, but not big enough. Great series though, should be good for TV ratings.