The playoff teams are now set for the Eastern Conference. Here’s a look at what to expect for from these eight clubs:
Detroit - The Pistons have the top seed in the East with home court advantage through the Eastern Conference playoffs. Detroit will be seeking their fifth straight trip to the conference finals. The Pistons should be able to cruise in the first round against a .500 level opponent. The Eastern Conference semi-finals will provide a bigger challenge as the opponent will be Chicago, Cleveland, or Miami. Detroit has lacked some focus at times during the regular season but this squad has proved its ability to flip the switch when the money is on the table.
Chicago - The Bulls are peaking with a 20-7 record since the All-Star break. Chicago could be ready to take the next step after getting a taste of post-season play in the last couple of seasons. With a trio of offensive impact players (Gordon, Deng, and Hinrich) and a defensive force (Wallace), the Bulls could have the right formula to get out of the East. Chicago made a statement by going 6-2 against Miami and Detroit during the regular season. The Bulls will be tough to stop at home in the postseason after posting a 31-10 record during the regular campaign.
Toronto - Like Chicago, the Raptors are peaking coming into the post-season with a 15-4 run heading into their final two regular season games. The surge has enabled Toronto to gain the important #3 seed in the East. The #3 seed enables Toronto to play a mediocre .500 type of club (Washington, New Jersey, or Orlando) in the first round. Toronto has been able to protect its’ home floor with 30 wins in their first 40 home contests. With Chris Bosh emerging as an impact player, Toronto is a live sleeper in the East.
Miami - The defending champions face a rough road in defense of their crown. The Heat won’t have home court in the first round as either Chicago or Cleveland will be the opponent. If they can survive the first round, the Pistons will likely be waiting in the conference semi’s. However, the Heat are primed to flip the switch in postseason action. Shaquille O’Neal and Dwayne Wade have missed nearly as many games (71) as they have played (89) heading into the last two games of the regular season. The dynamic duo have already captured a title as Miami is still the team to beat, with or without home court advantage.
Cleveland - The Cavs are likely to come up short in the East as Cleveland doesn’t appear to have enough supporting players to aid star Lebron James. While the Bulls won against the Heat and Pistons, the Cavs struggled to a 2-6 record against Miami and Detroit. Despite posting one of the top three records in the East, Cleveland isn’t generating a lot of buzz coming into the playoffs. Without any real improvement from a year ago, the Cavs could be vulnerable for an early exit from the postseason.
Washington - The Wizards are limping into the playoffs as Washington will be hard pressed to avoid a first-round sweep. Without Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler (combined 47 ppg.), the Wizards offense has become lifeless. The injuries have robbed this team of a chance to do some damage in the playoffs. A 27-12 mid-season run provided some evidence that this club could be a tough out with the top scoring team in the East. However, the Wizards are no longer that team without Arenas and Butler.
New Jersey - If any of the .500 level teams could make things interesting in round one, it could be New Jersey. Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson have captured a pair of Eastern Conference titles. With Vince Carter being capable of carrying a team with his scoring, the Nets will be a tough matchup in the first round. However, the loss of Nenad Kristic early in the season has left New Jersey without an inside presence. Even with some solid play down the stretch (8-3 run heading into final week of season), the lack of a big man will likely doom the Nets in the first round.
Orlando - It’s been a roller coaster year for the Magic. After a solid start (22-14), Orlando then stumbled by losing 15 of 22. However, the Magic were able to win 9 of 15 to secure the final bid in the East after Sunday’s home win over Boston. While Orlando has made significant progress, they will still enter the playoffs with a losing record and little hope of pulling a first round upset. Orlando plays sound defense with center Dwight Howard leading the way, but the Magic don’t have enough offense to pose much of a threat in this year’s post-season. However, this season’s playoff bid should be the first of many to come for Howard and the Magic.
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