Beast of the East: NBA Eastern Conference Playoff Preview

While the Western Conference is still sifting through their wild season, the Eastern Conference is beyond etched in stone. So since we have at least the definite numbers for the East, I think it's time for some bold but fair predictions to who makes it to the next round of the 2008 NBA Playoffs. Here's the rundown on the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

#1 Boston Celtics vs. #8 Atlanta Hawks

For the first time in over nine years, the Atlanta Hawks are heading into the postseason to play...yes, that's right, play. Led by the tough playing of Al Horford, the Hawks are heading into the real second half of the season. After spending several seasons wondering what's been going wrong, they are now asking themselves what's been going right.

Standing in their way though is a team that had the biggest turnaround in NBA History. Boston won all three meetings against Atlanta this season. The Big Three has been doing everything in their power to make sure that Danny Ainge's decision to not only keep Doc Rivers on as head coach, but also bringing in Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett a good decision. It's worked so far for the Celtics.

Maybe this momentum that the Hawks seem to have will carry over in their series against Boston. But I don't see this series going past five games. The Celtics' dream of resurrecting the old school days of The Big Three=Championships will get one step closer after they dispatch the Atlanta Hawks.

Series Result: Celtics in 5 (if Atlanta is lucky)

#2 Detroit Pistons vs. #7 Philadelphia 76ers

Many were wondering if the Philadelphia 76ers regretted sending Allen Iverson to Denver. Many wondered if Philadelphia would even see the postseason again after AI's departure. Well, the Sixers have the answer to that question for everyone: Yes We Can.

The Sixers are back in the postseason...despite the screw job from Cleveland on Monday night thanks to the referees. Despite all that, Philly is back in the postseason, but they draw Detroit in the first round. And the Pistons are looking more fierce than usual.

Detroit has had a proverbial monkey on their backs since getting served by the Celtics during the regular season, so they have something to prove. Everyone knows how dangerous Detroit is in the playoffs. Philadelphia will learn that real soon.

The Pistons will have their hands full with Philly, but this will be nothing more than a warm up for them. The Sixers may have clawed their way back into the playoffs, but it will be short lived for them. Besides, the refs don't like them anyway...especially since Philadelphia almost turned into Cleveland last night.

Series Result: Pistons in 4 (Sorry Rock)

#3 Orlando Magic vs. #6 Toronto Raptors

While the Grizzlies have fell further and further into the NBA basement, the Raptors have been scaling the mountain for postseason magic and respect. Those who have followed the Raptors know that it's been a hard road for them to get to this point. 

The Raptors have no well known players, but somehow they still find ways to win. Led by Chris Bosh, Toronto has a legitimate shot at going further than a first round punching bag this season. But it's not going to be easy.

The Orlando Magic had a tumultuous season...even before it started. After Billy Donovan took the job (only to give it up the same week), the Magic went to great lengths to bring back a man who wasn't really given a chance to shine. Stan Van Gundy then decided that it was time for everyone to take notice to the Magic of Orlando.

This series will be the one that everyone watches. The higher seeds will have minimal problems against their opposition, but Orlando will have a straight up dogfight against the resurrected Raptors.

After the screw job they suffered in Atlanta, expect Toronto to be eyeing the upset. And with the unknown lineup of Toronto taking on the "Superman" of Central Florida Dwight Howard, this series may have enough firepower to go into seven games...and it most likely will.

Series Result: Magic in 6

#4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #5 Washington Wizards

This series has all the intensity of the playoffs. Problem is that these two have been duking it out all season long. There is a rivalry brewing between these two clubs, and the Cavaliers are waiting for Washington this time around. Expect great things from this showdown.

The Wizards are getting cocky...I mean, real cocky. They believe that they can not only beat the Cavs, but send them home without a second chance. It's hard to argue with results.

The Wizards have been a thorn in Cleveland's side all year...with or without Gilbert Arenas. But Arenas didn't play in the first three games of this showdown. But he will be ready for the playoff showdown. Washington has what it takes to silence the Cavaliers.

But LeBron James vs. Gilbert Arenas sells tickets. So for the sake of argument, I will say that this one has all the necessary off the court antics to go seven games. Cleveland will get the monkey off its back, and Arenas, as well as those on the Wizards team who say that they will beat Cleveland, will have to eat those words.

Sorry, Gilbert, but even your ego can't get you out of this rivalry with a series win. 

Series Result: Cavaliers in Seven