(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Chicago Bulls
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers come off another record year of wins. Standing at the top of the Eastern Conference and a top the NBA overall standings with a record of 61-21 earning Home Court throughout the Playoffs and Finals. Powered by the 2009 MVP LeBron James Cleveland is poised to make a deep run in these Playoffs. Cleveland upgraded its roster more than anyone in the NBA after falling short last year versus Orlando. Adding Shaquille O'neal, Anthony Parker, Antawn Jamison, Jamario Moon, and Leon Powe to the roster. Cleveland really struggled against the size of Dwight Howard and most of their moves were to match up with Dwight and his Magic.
This is also James' last year of his contract, so the pressure is on Cleveland to get to the promised land soon rather than later. No one knows what the future holds after July 1, 2010.
(2) Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls come off quite an up and down season. The supposed altercation between Coach DelNegro and GM John Paxson has been a huge distraction entering the Playoffs. But Chicago does boasts stud PG Derrick Rose who can make it happen from anywhere on the court. Rose is one of the best point guards to hit the scene in years. Rose is a talent that gets the best of the players around him. Chicago is very young in their starting five with Rose, Gibson, Noah, Deng, and Hinrich. They do have some veteran presence with Miller but that's really it. This is a young team starting to piece it together. Unfortunately they get Cleveland in the 1st round.
Paisan's Series Prediction: Derrick Rose is fun to watch, but LeBron and the Cavaliers have too much size and too much experience. Cleveland Rolls Chicago 4-0
(2) Orlando Magic vs. (7) Charlotte Bobcats
(2) Orlando Magic
The reigning Eastern Conference Champions come back with almost the same cast from last year. They did basically trade Hedo Turkoglu for Vince Carter and brought in Matt Barnes as well. Orlando also has a healthy Jameer Nelson right out the gate. Orlando played well down the stretch posting a 23-6 record after the All-Star Break. Dwight Howard is coming off another huge year where he was named the 2009-10 Defensive Player of the Year. Orlando is deep and hungry. After making it to the Finals last year and fizzling out against the Lakers. Look for Orlando to make another deep run in the Playoffs.
(7) Charlotte Bobcats
For the first time in franchise history the Charlotte Bobcats enter the Playoffs. Led by the Traveling Man Larry Brown Charlotte comes in at 44-38 and embarks on their first ever playoff journey. Charlotte has some very good young talented point guards with Felton and Augustine along with some fairly good bigs in Wallace and Jackson. Charlotte acquiring Stephen Jackson from the Warriors earlier in the year really got this team to take off. Jackson has been a model citizen since arriving and has embraced the roll of leader.
Paisan's Series Prediction: Charlotte is young and inexperienced but will battle with Orlando, but Dwight Howard and friends are on a mission. Orlando 4-1.
(3) Atlanta Hawks vs. (6) Milwaukee Bucks
(3) Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks seem to be getting better and better and nobody is paying attention to them. Mike Woodson has done a heck of a job the last few years getting these guys to gel. They are led by Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Al Horford, Marvin Williams, and Mike Bibby. Plus they have the best sixth man coming off the bench in Jamal Crawford. Atlanta's only concern may be their size upfront. Pachulia is OK and Horford is good but whose really coming off the bench? It may be tough for Atlanta come the next rounds. Regardless this team can shoot the lights out and are very formidable in the East.
(6) Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee enters the Playoffs losing perhaps their best player Andrew Bogut right before seasons end to a gruesome injury. Despite being hit by the injury bug throughout the year Milwaukee rebounded quite nicely with the acquisition due to the play of rookie PG, and my pick for Rookie of the Year, Brandon Jennings. Not to mention the nice move getting John Salmons from the Chicago Bulls mid season. Now we all know that Scott Skiles coached teams will bring the defense and slow down the game tempo, so despite the injuries the Bucks can still be dangerous and a tough out.
Paisan's Series Prediction: Jennings comes to play but the rest of the Bucks don't make the party, Hawks 4-2.
(4) Boston Celtics vs (5) Miami Heat
(4) Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are getting old. It seems like they get older with each game. The once unstoppable Kevin Garnett looks a shell of himself and Rasheed Wallace has been the biggest Free Agent bust to date. Rondo has continued to mature and impress but Pierce and Allen have been mediocre at best. Boston limps into the playoffs losing 7 of their last 10 games. It what most likely will be their last run together this aging group looks more tired and spent then hungry for another title. Even Doc Rivers knows the end is near with his talks of retirement as of late.
(5) Miami Heat
Miami comes into the Playoffs one of the hottest teams down the stretch. Miami went 21-9 down the stretch to surge to the five seed. Led by the resilient Dwayne Wade Miami has been able to position themselves for the upset in this series. The one concern with the Heat is that Dwayne Wade needs help. Beasely must step up and so does Jermaine O'neal. But Dwayne Wade can take over a series quickly and when he does it doesn't matter who else is on the court.
Paisan's Series Prediction: Dwayne Wade makes it interesting, but the Old Guys get it done. Celtics 4-2.
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