NBA Playoffs 2012 Bracket: Boston Celtics Are Favorites to Come out of the East

After a Game 1 stumble, the Boston Celtics have recovered, and after spanking the Atlanta Hawks in three consecutive games, it appears Boston is returning to form, making them favorites once again in the Eastern Conference.

Wait, what about the Miami Heat?

Well, Boston is one of the few teams that have had Miami's number this season. The Celtics are 3-1 against the Heat this season, and after losing their initial matchup with Miami, Boston has won the last three.

All three wins were by eight points or more, and one was a 19-point blowout. The last team the Heat want to see are the Celtics.

I don't mean to overlook the fact that the Celtics still have one more game to win against the Hawks, as well as another round to go before they meet the Heat, but the injury to Derrick Rose has given Boston a gift.

Instead of having to play the best team in the Eastern Conference, most likely Boston will draw Philadelphia—the 76ers have a 3-1 lead in their series with the Chicago Bulls.

Not to slight the Sixers, but they aren't nearly the same level of competition as the Bulls are with Rose in the lineup. True, Boston was 1-2 against Philly, but the Celts have a huge edge in the playoff experience department.

This could likely be the last year you see this version of Boston's squad, and that will make this team as hungry as could be to win another championship. I expect everything to be left on the floor.

Boston has battled injuries the entire season and is getting healthy at the perfect time to be at full strength for the playoffs. Ray Allen's return has been especially important in giving the Celts some production off their bench.

Many people ruled this team out during the season as not being championship-worthy, but that has changed rather quickly. After all, the Celtics are playing at the highest level they have played at the entire season.

I would never be foolish enough to count out a team with the original "Big Three" that, more importantly, has had great success against the best team in the Eastern Conference this season.

Not only do I expect Boston to advance to the Eastern Conference finals against Miami, but I expect them to continue their success against the Heat this season and make it all the way to the NBA Finals.