Things could get real physical between Celtics forward Kevin Garnett and Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. (GETTY IMAGES)
The Eastern Conference playoffs, also known as the Miami Heat Invitation, will tipoff this weekend with games on TNT and ESPN. Even though teams in the East may not have the same offensive firepower as teams in the West there are still some very intriguing playoff matchups worth watching. Here’s how the first round could unfold:
FIRST ROUND
(1) MIAMI HEAT vs. (8) MILWAUKEE BUCKS
The Heat are just too loaded with talent to have much trouble with the Bucks. Milwaukee has an excellent guard rotation with Brandon Jennings, Monta Ellis and J.J. Redick and that’s their best chance at trying to pull off an epic upset. However, the Heat have LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, who are looking for another NBA title. Prediction: Heat in 4
(2) NEW YORK KNICKS VS. (7) BOSTON CELTICS
Carmelo Anthony averaged 36.9 points in the last eight regular-season games, and is heating up at the right time of year. J.R. Smith averaged 22 points over the same stretch and this dynamic duo give the Knicks the scoring punch they need to take out an aging Celtics team that is without point guard Rajon Rondo and has a gimpy Kevin Garnett in the starting lineup. Prediction: Knicks in 5
(3) INDIANA PACERS VS. (6) ATLANTA HAWKS
The Pacers finished the regular season losing five of their last six games, not exactly finishing strong. It’s quite possible they miss Danny Granger’s presence and I think they will struggle against the Hawks. Atlanta has a solid frontcourt in Josh Smith and Al Horford. I think the Pacers will win the series because of Paul George’s ability to step up and continue his amazing season. Prediction: Pacers in 7
(4) BROOKLYN NETS VS. (5) CHICAGO BULLS
This is the most intriguing matchup of the first round. The Nets closed out the regular season by winning seven of their last 10 games and are playing well. But their bench is a cause for concern. Deron Williams, Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson will score the bulk of the points, but they can’t play 48 minutes. Gerald Wallace signed a big contract in the offseason, but is limited offensively and does his best work on defense. The Bulls had a pretty good year, despite playing without Derrick Rose. The Bulls’ defense allowed just 92.9 points per game, third-best in the NBA and they can slow down the Nets. Coach Tom Thibodeau’s team defense is a great equalizer and the Bulls will play it to perfection. Prediction: Nets in 6
Darren Jacks is a regular contributor to OneManFastBreak.net. Send him an email at djroxalot@hotmail.com.