NBA Playoffs 2011: Eastern Conference First Round Selections

It's finally time.

While the Western Conference may be the deeper and better conference, there is no denying that the Eastern Conference has the stars and the drama.

From the offseason's "LeBron-apalooza," to the Carmelo Anthony saga, and all the way to the rise of Derrick Rose as the league's probable MVP, the Eastern Conference has everything needed for what should be an epic postseason.

1. Chicago Bulls vs. 8. Indiana Pacers: 

Do I even need to say anything about this series?

What I will say is, Danny Granger saying he welcomes playing against the Bulls is the dumbest thing anyone's said since Charlies Sheen said he'd stop drinking and popping pills.

Derrick Rose has created a "seek and destroy" list, and anyone who has made that list—Chris Paul and Deron Williams come to mind—has been annihilated.

Danny Granger, welcome to Mr. Rose's fun house.

Prediction: Bulls in four

2. Miami Heat vs. 7. Philadelphia 76ers: 

The defending NBA champion Heat.

Oh, wait, they haven't won a championship yet.

Well then what was that fireworks-laden celebration they had back in July? Okay so while they aren't the darlings of the NBA, the Heat still have two of the game's best players and will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.

Doug Collins has his team fighting and playing fairly well—maybe even enough to steal a game or two—but ultimately, Miami's talent will be too much.

Prediction: Heat in six

3. Boston Celtics vs. 6. New York Knicks: 

They might be looking better, but don't be tricked into thinking that the no-defense Knicks have any chance of pulling the upset.

While Boston's second-half slide, and most notably the trade of Kendrick Perkins, has hurt their chances of advancing to the finals, they should have little problem dispatching the Knicks.

In order to have any chance, New York will need huge efforts from Carmelo and Amar'e Stoudemire but, given Boston's excellent isolation-set defense, I don't see that happening.

Prediction: Celtics in five

4. Orlando Magic vs. 5. Atlanta Hawks: 

Both of these teams feature plenty of flaws, which should make this a fairly interesting series.

While the Magic have no effective offense aside from Dwight Howard and the occasional streaky three-point shooting of a band of cast-offs, the Hawks are one of the more selfish teams in the league boasting an above average record.

But while flawed, these teams are fairly evenly matched and should provide a solid—while possibly not aesthetically pleasing—seven game series.

Due to homecourt advantage, I'll take the Magic.

Predicition: Magic in seven