The New Look East...Part 1

Everyone knows that professional basketball starts to become more relevant after the All-Star break. Players begin to shift into playoff mode; teams really begin to separate themselves, and, because of playoff positioning, it seems that every game matters. For the past several years the real debate has been who is going to come out of the “more” competitive Western Conference. However, after one of the most intriguing trade deadlines in recent memory, the New Look Eastern Conference is bringing more star power than ever before. There are more stars in the East now and definitely as a  result of the new “super teams” concept, the Eastern Conference will now be just as, if not more, relevant than the powerful West this playoff season. If the playoffs started today we would see these match ups:

1^st Rd

Celtics vs. Pacers- This would easily be a 4-0 blowout. There is no question that Boston has more stars, a better supporting class, more experience, and is pretty unbeatable at home.

Heat vs. 76ers- Ultimately, the Heat this one, but I think that Philly could give them problems. Philly plays fast and they don’t quit. The Heat has better starters, but they have shown that if they can’t blow you out early they struggle closing close games out. I could see this one going 4-2.

Bulls vs. Knicks- Now I will be the first to admit that the Knicks are still maybe the fifth best team in the conference; I’m not so sure I would want to see them in the first round. They have veteran leadership I Chauncey, pure scorers down low and on the wing, and a serviceable supporting cast. But the Bulls have the front runner for MVP in D. Rose, a low post scorer, a big time defender at C and their supporting cast, especially if they sign Rasaul Butler; will be a force all playoff long. I think the Knicks will only be as good as their defense takes them, but they better hope they don’t draw Chi-Town first, or it will be another 1^st round exit for Melo. I see this one going 5-1.

Magic vs. Hawks- The early big trade has had mixed reviews in Orlando. If Gilbert was the Gilbert before signing for the big money, I would say the Magic could be the team to beat. As it stands now, they still rely on the 3 ball to win. Dwight has improved his low post game, but he is still a liability at the line and when the game is close and shots aren’t falling, they will have to look to him to score and teams will send him to the line. The Hawks…..man this team was supposed to do something last year; but if your best player is going to disappear in the biggest moments, you will always underachieve and be nothing more than a team that competes. I like the Magic 4-2.

 

Now of course this is if the playoffs started today based on their current seeding. I will look at the second round soon. If you disagree you are more than welcome to respond, just don’t come with weak takes.