NBA Eastern Conference Playoff Preview

Because of the talent in the West and seeding quirks in the East, the first round of the 2007 NBA playoffs features a number of tantalizing matchups.

No matter which way the ball bounces, the real winners are the fans—who will be treated to nothing but exciting basketball for the next few months. (Outside of the Wizards-Cavs series, anyway...)

Here's a look at how things should play out as postseason action tips off in the Eastern Conference.

Click here to check out Erick's Western Conference Preview.

#1 Detroit vs. #8 Orlando

While many fans are right in calling this year's Detroit squad far from dominant, the Pistons should be able to knock off the Magic with ease.

Orlando is ill-equipped to handle a team with a balanced and unselfish offense like Detroit's. Whether it's Chris Webber knocking down midrange jumpers and feeding cutters or Chauncey Billups abusing Jameer Nelson one-on-one, the Pistons simply have too many ways to pick the Magic apart.

Orlando also doesn't have the depth to keep Carlos Delfino, Lindsey Hunter, and Antonio McDyess from scoring at will off the bench. While Dwight Howard is an emerging star, he is still too raw to dominate a player as athletically gifted as Rasheed Wallace—and if Detroit can defend Howard without doubling, the Pistons will cruise to a sweep.

Prediction: The Magic just aren't good enough. Detroit in four.

 

 

#2 Cleveland vs. #7 Washington 

No Gilbert Arenas.

No Caron Butler.

No chance.

Even with Butler, Washington wouldn't have anyone to guard LeBron James—and the Wizards aren't good enough on their rotations to competently double the King. Either LeBron will draw double-digit free throw attempts and the Cavs will win, or LeBron will rack up double-digit assists and the Cavs will win.

Another knock: The Wizards' best healthy scorer, Antawn Jamison, has a habit of getting bullied by elite teams and disappearing in the postseason. Sorry Washington, but you will get swept and it will be ugly.

Prediction: The good news? These games will free you up to spend time with your family, hang out with your friends, and make plans for watching Cleveland's inevitable second-round series. Cavs in four.

#3 Toronto vs. #6 New Jersey

Toronto may be one of the most finesse teams in the NBA—while New Jersey may be one of the most boring.

The difference is that the Raptors excel with their style of play. With the exception of T.J. Ford, everybody on Toronto's roster can shoot. Chris Bosh is a particularly dynamic scorer: He can set screens then pop out for jump shots, is quick on the move, and has a solid post game which can draw extra defenders to free up teammates.

The key for New Jersey will be whether Jason Kidd can bully Ford. Kidd is strong enough and savvy enough to exploit Ford's lithe build, and you can expect the Nets to go under any screen involving the Raptors' point guard. Only Kidd's defense on Ford (and Jose Calderon) will allow New Jersey to limit Toronto's offensive effectiveness.

The Nets' offense, on the other hand, is tedious and unimaginative. Against zones, New Jersey is often content to pass the ball along the perimeter and take the first look they get. Anthony Parker is a good defensive player and should be able to limit the effectiveness of Richardson Jefferson and Vince Carter if they try to drive. Also, because of Jason Collins' limited offensive game, Bosh or Rasho Nesterovic will be able to sag off and look to help against penetration.

Kidd will have his way against Ford's inept defense—so the key for the Nets will be whether their shooters (Jefferson, Carter, Bostjan Nachbar, and Cliff Robinson) can outgun the Raptors. If the answer is yes, then holes will open underneath for Kidd, Carter, and Jefferson to attack the rim. If the answer is no, then the Nets will succumb to a dreary end.

Prediction: Jason Kidd plays spectacularly, but the rest of the Nets do not. Toronto ends up shooting over 50 percent for the series and advances to the second round. Toronto in five.

#4 Miami vs. #5 Chicago

Easily the most compelling first round series in the East.

On offense, Dwyane Wade's questionable health will keep him from shouldering the scoring load (pardon the pun). Instead, Miami's offense will run through Shaquille O'Neal—who's actually looked more nimble than Ben Wallace at many times this year.

Despite his name recognition as a star defender, Wallace's skills have eroded. If he can't play Shaq straight up, Chicago will be forced to double the Diesel...which will leave Jason Kapono, Jason Williams, James Posey, and Eddie Jones with uncontested three-point looks.

Chicago's offense is a lot like a donut: It better be sweet on the outside, 'cause there ain't nothing in the middle. The Bulls make up for their post void with maximum energy and meticulous offensive sets...but hustle and execution will only take you so far against a veteran team with a Hall-of-Fame coach. Burnout will also be a factor for Chicago: Grueling work against a formidable opponent can leave any team spent by the end of a long series.

That said, Chicago can still look to exploit a number of matchups: Kirk Hinrich can break down either of Miami's guards, Luol Deng can demolish Jason Kapono, and Shaq isn't likely to challenge on any of the Bulls' pick-and-rolls. However, because Chicago doesn't have a big man who can score, Miami will likely go through every screen to take away the Bulls' jump shots—allowing Shaq to hang out down low and punish whoever challenges the lane. With Alonzo Mourning on the floor, Miami's interior defense only gets stronger.

Prediction: Shaq scores at will while the Bulls hope to hit a large percentage of their jump shots. Chicago's effort is admirable (and a joy to watch)—but it's impossible to win in the NBA on effort alone. The Bulls may take an early series lead, but they'll wear down against a Heat team that's immune to pressure—and has Shaq to dominate the first three quarters before D-Wade does his thing in the fourth. Miami in six.