NBA Playoff Schedule: Power Ranking Division Winners' Chances at Winning East

The Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat are the unquestioned beasts of the East. It has been an almost forgone conclusion that one of these two will represent the conference in the Finals. 

However, if there is one team that can crash this party, it is the other division winner in the conference: the Boston Celtics. 

It isn't clear which one of these powerhouses will advance from the East. It is only clear that it will be one of them. 

Here are the chances each has at advancing. 

*The playoff schedule will be released at the end of the regular season. You should be able to find that at ESPN, or the official page at NBA.com. 

No. 1: Chicago Bulls

Chances of Winning East: 42.6 percent

No. 2: Miami Heat

Chances of Winning East: 38.9 percent

Typically, I would give an explanation for both teams in an article like this, but these two arguments are so dependent upon each other that it makes sense to do them together. 

The Bulls get an edge here for a couple of reasons. The first, and biggest, is that they will enjoy home-court advantage if these two should meet. 

These two teams met four times this regular season. They split that series with each team holding serve on their home court. This is going to play a huge role should these two meet. But that isn't the only thing giving the Bulls the edge here.

The last time these two played, Derrick Rose's injuries made him a non-factor. He didn't play at all the last time these two met and the Heat won, and he only played 25 minutes and scored on 1-13 shooting the matchup before that. The Bulls won that one.

This is going to give the Bulls a huge mental edge. They have proven they can hang with, and even beat, the Heat when the defending MVP isn't even a major contributor. The Bulls have a clear edge with a healthy Rose. 

Of course, there is little to suggest that Rose will be able to stay healthy for the whole playoffs. Hence, the close rankings.  

No. 3: Boston Celtics

Chances of Winning East: 18.5 percent

The Boston Celtics are here to pick up the scraps not claimed by the Bulls and Heat. Boston started off the season not playing particularly well, but they have had a strong close to the season. 

They have also been able to limit the minutes of their veterans during the season. This is an experienced team that has been gearing up for the postseason. 

And they certainly know what to do when they get there. While they are still a long-shot to advance past the Bulls and Heat, if Kevin Garnett can play like the KG of old, Rondo can hit a few outside shots, Paul Pierce comes through in the clutch and Ray Allen keeps drilling threes, they will have a shot to win the whole thing.