2008 NBA Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions

So the silly season is done, and now it's time for the players and coaches to make it count. The playoffs start today, and we're giving you our own 2 cents on what is going to happen. We take a snapshot of the Eastern 1st round match ups.

Eastern Conference

Boston Celtics (1) versus Atlanta Hawks (8)

Prediction: Boston in 4

Why: Atlanta has got a great group of young talent, so combined with Joe Johnson and Mike Bibby, these guys have a great future in the next few years. But they are going up against a Boston team whose future is right now. KG, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are a fearsome combination that could just sweep the Hawks by themselves.

Detroit Pistons (2) versus Philadelphia 76ers (7)

Prediction: Detroit in 4

Why: The 76ers barely made the playoffs and will probably regret losing out of a lottery pick by doing so. The Pistons are battle tested and playoff ready and I really don't see Philadelphia mounting any kind of legit threat in a game, much less a series.

Orlando Magic (3) versus Toronto Raptors (6)

Prediction: Toronto in 6

Why: While most people are saying that this is a battle of two great young big men in Howard versus Bosh, I have to look at the depth and talent of the rest of the team. With the Magic having a big weakness at point, and Dwight Howard with anything other than a dunk, the Raptors can and will take this game with strong outside game and long range field goals.

Cleveland Cavaliers (4) versus Washington Wizards (5)

Prediction: Cavaliers in 5

Why: Because the "dumbest team on the history of sports" according to Charles Barkley decided to weak up King James. While the Wizards may have thought it could have been a rally cry to motivate their team to get passed the first round, it will end up crushing them in the end.