2011 NBA Playoff Predictions: Projecting the Eastern Conference First Round

As the NBA playoffs are set to begin this weekend, let's take a look at the Eastern Conference playoffs and find out who will win the first round match ups. 

No. 1 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 8 Indiana Pacers

Derrick Rose led the Chicago Bulls to the league's best overall record at 62-20, earning them home court advantage throughout the entire playoffs. 

The Bulls won the season series 3-1, and the Pacers' only win came in overtime as Rose scored 42 points in the loss. The Bulls should have a very easy time scoring on the Pacers as they do not have any true defenders who can slow down Rose, Luol Deng or Carlos Boozer. 

The Bulls need to get off to fast starts in these games and not allow the Pacers to gain any confidence. The biggest key for the Bulls is to push the pace of the game. If they can get easy baskets in transition, it will open up things in the low post for Boozer and Joakim Noah. 

Defensively, the Bulls should be able to shut down the Pacers. Indiana lacks any real low post scoring threat to get easy baskets and has shaky outside shooting.

For the Pacers to stay competitive, they need to slow down and try to get the Bulls' big men in foul trouble. As for defending Rose, they need force the ball out of his hands by trapping him when the screen comes. They cannot allow him easy access to the basket or it will be a field day for Rose.

The Pacers have no shot of winning the series, but if they can keep Game 3 close and steal one, it should be a success. I just do not see that happening. The Bulls are very focused and hungry to end this series in four.

Prediction: Bulls 4-0

No. 4 Orlando Magic vs. No. 5 Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks took the season series 3-1, but as they know, the playoffs are a whole different animal.

A year ago in the second round, the Hawks were swept by the Magic and lost each game by an average of over 25 points. Although I expect this series to be a little more competitive because Orlando is not as strong as last season, the end result will be the same.

The Magic have one dominating player in this series, and there is no reason why Dwight Howard will not do whatever he wants. On offense, he is just too big and strong to defend one-on-one for the Hawks; if they double team Howard, it will create open shots for their three-point shooters. If they do not double Howard, he should be able to power his way into any shot he wants.

The Hawks need to run in order to keep pace with the Magic. If they can get out in transition and create easy baskets with Howard away from the paint, they will be able to score points. If they get in a half court game with the Magic and Howard is able to roam the paint defensively, ithe Hawks will struggle to get easy baskets.

For the Hawks to win, they need to hope Howard either gets in early foul trouble or the Magic are missing their three-point jump shots. If the Magic miss open looks, it will leave the door open for Atlanta to win a game or two. 

Prediction: Magic 4-2

No. 3 Boston Celtics vs. No. 6 New York Knicks

The Celtics won the season series 4-0, but for two of those games, the Knicks had not yet traded for Carmelo Anthony. This is the one series in the East that could go seven games.

The Knicks head into the playoffs on a roll, and the Celtics head into the playoffs slumping. Since the Celtics traded Kendrick Perkins, they have not been the same team. They are scoring less points and giving up more, and they have also lost their toughness.

Perkins provided strength down low for the Celtics, and in recent weeks they have been exposed. With Perkins on the floor, the Celtics were able to force teams into jump shots because they had their big, strong shot-blocker down low to prevent players from driving. 

With Perkins being the defensive anchor for the Celtics, everyone else's job was easier. They knew if their man got into the paint, Perkins would be waiting for him—not so much anymore. Kevin Garnett is a step slower nowadays, and teams are getting to the basket.

Rajon Rondo's recent struggles have also contributed to the Celtics poor play. Rondo has never been a good shooter, and teams are not allowing him free access to the paint where he can be very creative with the ball in getting his teammates open looks. 

Teams are sagging off Rondo and forcing him into jump shots, and it is working out extremely well for him.

The Celtics need to get Rondo into a groove and let him get open looks for Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, as well as Garnett. Against a Knicks team that plays no defense, it should be easy. The problem for Boston, however, may be stopping Amare Stoudemire and Anthony.

The Knicks possess two players who, on any given night, can go for 30 points. The key will be limiting one. The problem is that both players can get off their own shot very easily. The Celtics need to force the Knicks to slow down the tempo of the game and close out on their shooters. If they can do this they should have an easy time winning this series. If the Knicks can run and hit open three-point shots it could be a long and short series for the Celtics.

Prediction: Celtics win 4-3

No. 2 Miami Heat vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers

The Heat won the season series 3-0.

Miami comes into the postseason a little bit under the radar. They have been hyped all season, and when they suffered a long losing streak in early March, people seemed to jump off the band wagon. However, that might be just the thing this team needs to make a deep run into the playoffs.

Since the pressure went away and the expectations lowered to a normal level in the last month, the Heat have been able to just play basketball. When they are doing that, they are difficult to beat.

LeBron James seems to have found his fit with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. James has been trying to get his teammates involved more often and it seems to be working. He is still scoring at his season average on most nights too, so his all-around game is blossoming. 

Bosh stands as the key to a long playoff run for the Heat. Throughout the season, he has been hesitant to go down low and play with his back to the basket. When he does that, he has some success. When the game slows down and the Heat need a score down low, Bosh is the answer.

Against the Sixers, the big three should be able to get whatever they want. On paper, the Sixers do not have anyone who can stay with them. The Sixers should be able to stay in a couple games given their defense, but nothing more should be expected. 

To keep it close, the Sixers have to keep the Heat from running. If they can keep their turnovers down and prevent James and Wade from entering the open court, they may have a chance of stealing a game or two. If the Heat get out into transition, however, it could be a quick series. 

It is a must for the Sixers to come out strong in Game 1. If they can establish their tempo and rhythm ,they will give themselves a chance. A split of the first two games in Miami would be a huge confidence boost for them heading home to Philadelphia. 

Prediction: Miami 4-2

(Western Conference first round predictions will be posted later today).