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| The Knicks and Celtics will battle in First Round NBA Eastern Conference Playoff action (photo via espn.com) |
The National Basketball Association 2010-11 Playoffs begin today. Let's break down the four Eastern Conference series matchups:
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Regular Season Series: Chicago leads 3-1
Analysis: The Indiana Pacers had a nice turnaround to their season after firing coach Jim O'Brien, and replacing him with Frank Vogel, who has done a great job developing the young players on this team. Indiana's core of Danny Granger, Darren Collison, Roy Hibbert, and Tyler Hansbrough have truly grown up as the season's go on. But Chicago will prove to be too strong. The Bulls finished with the best overall record in the NBA, and are lead by probable MVP winner Derrick Rose. Plus add in Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer, two players who've struggled with injuries this season but are both now healthy. And the team is responding very well to first-year coach Tom Thibodeau. The Bulls will have no problem with this series.
Prediction: Bulls in 5
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Regular Season Series: Miami leads 3-0
Analysis: Just like everyone else, I hate Miami's Big 3 ... well I do like Dwyane Wade a lot, but I can't stand the other 2 morons! I've never wanted someone to lose more than I want Lebron James to, and Chris Bosh is hands down the softest player in NBA History! Philly's got great young talent ... Andre Iguodala is one of the most exciting player in the Association, but has battled injuries all season. Jrue Holiday and Louis Williams have made solid contributions all year. Veteran Centre Elton Brand put up solid numbers but he's another year older. Let's see if he can dig deep and help this team shock the world! But as much as I'd LOVE to see an upset here, it won't happen.
Prediction: Heat in 5
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Regular Season Series: Atlanta leads 3-1
Analysis: This one could be interesting. If Atlanta has a chance in this series, they'll have to slow the pace down and not get into a "run & gun" style of game. Al Horford has had a phenomenal regular season and hopes to carry his great play into the playoffs. Joe Johnson is finally healthy and is looking to prove that he can play well in the post-season. Orlando has tons of playoff experience, including a recent trip to the NBA Finals in 2009. Coach Stan "Don't call me Ron Jeremy" Van Gundy always does a great job motivating his guys when they need it, especially Hedo Turkoglu, who came back to Orlando in a blockbuster trade in December. If Van Gundy can light a fire under both Turkoglu, and Jason Richardson, and Dwight Howard plays like, well, Dwight Howard, then Orlando should take this one.
Prediction: Orlando in 6.
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Regular Season Series: Boston leads 4-0
Analysis: Can the New York Knicks regain the fire they had earlier this season? They came out of the gate like gangbusters, but were inconsistent for the majority of the season. The look of the team changed dramatically when they acquired Carmelo Anthony and Uncle Chauncey Billups in the season's biggest blockbuster trade. Amar'e Stoudamire was putting up huge numbers at one point of the season, so if he gets on a roll, look out. Boston seems to be having an identity crisis after trading away Kendrick Perkins, who was well-liked by his teammates. Their version of the Big 3 - Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray "Jesus Shuttlesworth" Allen - may or may not have any gas left in the tank, but the true key to their success will be the play of Rajon Rondo. He has shown that he has what it takes to dominate in the post-season, and the Celtics will rely on him to be a difference maker in this series.
Prediction: Celtics in 7
-Turnbull
(all logos via sportslogos.net)
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