2009 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs Preview
LeBron James Primed for First Championship
Apr 16, 2009
The 2008-2009 NBA regular season is officially over, and all eyes are turning to the playoffs. Meanwhile, it may come down to which team is hobbling the least. With so many injuries to key players, it's tough to know what teams are best suited to make a run at the NBA title. Here's a breakdown of the Eastern Conference matchups.
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers 66-16 vs (8) Detroit Pistons 39-43
A few years ago, this may have been an intriguing matchup. However, the Pistons aren't what they used to be. It's become apparent that trading Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson may have been a mistake. Iverson's been hobbled all season long, and really hasn't fit into the chemistry of the Pistons' squad. Meanwhile, LeBron James has finally found a supporting cast that can keep up with him. Guard Mo Williams has been a great compliment to James' play, and the team's veteran laden bench, with Joe Smith, Wally Szczerbiak and others, has provided big boosts down late stretches of games.
Predicted Outcome: Cavs in four.
(2) Boston Celtics 62-20 vs (7) Chicago Bulls 41-41
It looks as though Kevin Garnett may miss the entire playoffs due to a knee injury. This seriously stifles their chances of making a run at the title. That being said, they still have enough firepower and veteran leadership to put away the youthful Chicago Bulls. The Bulls may make things interesting and steal some games with athleticism, but in the end, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen will take care of business.
Predicted Outcome: Celtics in six.
(3) Orlando Magic 59-23 vs (6) Philadelphia 76ers 41-41
Orlando's obviously the better team, especially with Elton Brand injured. Still, don't be surprised if the Sixers make some noise like they did in last year's playoffs. Andre Miller's game fits well in playoff style basketball, and he should give Rafer Alston some problems.
Predicted Outcome: Magic in five.
(4) Atlanta Hawks 47-35 vs (5) Miami Heat 43-39
This should be a fun series to watch. The Hawks won the season series 3-1, but don't discount Dwayne Wade's ability to lift his game to another level. That alone could get the Heat past the Hawks. The Hawks do have some hunger to feed, after losing to the Celtics in the first round of last year's playoffs. They took Boston to seven games before losing the series.
Predicted Outcome: Heat in seven.
Second Round Matchups
Cavaliers vs Heat (Prediction: Cavs in five)
Celtics vs Magic (Prediction: Magic in six)
Semifinals
Cavaliers vs Magic (Prediction: Cavs in six)
