NBA Playoffs 2012: Predicting Which Teams Will Make Eastern Conference Finals

The 2012 NBA playoffs are flying by. There are just four teams remaining in the East, and soon just two will be left standing.

Let’s take a look at both upcoming series and predict who will advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers

It’s incredible that one of these two franchises will certainly be playing for the right to go to the NBA Finals. Boston seemed spotty in the beginning of the season, and Philadelphia’s late skid made it seem like the team was dead meat in the first-round.

Both sides had a lot of luck and are fortunate to be here, but this series is going to come down to who plays better.

Boston has the advantage and a better roster that is motivated to make one last championship push with its current stars.

Kevin Garnett looked like his vintage self in a deciding Game 6 against the Atlanta Hawks. Paul Pierce isn’t afraid to put the C’s on his shoulders when necessary. Ray Allen can light it up at moment’s notice. Rajon Rondo is the best assist man in the game and gets everyone involved.

That’s not even getting into emerging studs like Avery Bradley, who can lock anyone down, and overachieving big man Greg Stiemsma.

Philadelphia just doesn’t have the kind of players to hack it in a seven-game battle with Boston. The 76ers lack a true alpha dog scorer who can carry the team, and it will finally come back to haunt them.

Look for the 76ers to steal a game or two, but Boston will advance

Prediction: Celtics in six.

Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers

Indiana is a great team. The Pacers play with a lot of heart and have a great collection of solid players who are extremely sizable for their positions—including 7’2” center Roy Hibbert and 6’10” shooting guard Paul George.

For all of their depth and blossoming talent, they simply don’t possess the killer instinct to win a playoff series against the Miami Heat.

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the rest of the veterans from South Beach aren’t going to get stopped by an upstart Pacers team in 2012. They are too good and are playing incredible basketball at this moment.

Anything less than a championship would be a disappointment for Miami, so expect them to meet up with Boston in the ECF.

Prediction: Heat in five.