Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Prediction: Bulls in 4
What to Watch: How will Derrick Rose incorporate back into the line-up, or will he continue to rest?
The Decider: The Bulls second unit.
In this series, the number one seeded Bulls, armed with 50 wins and a tie for the best record in the NBA will take on the eighth seeded 76ers, who only squeaked into the playoffs because of a hot start to the season. To be completely honest, the Sixers are simply overmatched, as the Bulls won 50 games with Derrick Rose missing 27 of them. The Bench Mob of the Bulls, including Taj Gibson, Omer Asik, CJ Watson, and Kyle Korver is one of, if not the best bench in the association. I just don't see how the Sixers can steal a game in this series, especially without a big-time scorer, as their top scorer, Lou Williams, only averages about 15 per game.
Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks:
Prediction: Heat in 5
What to Watch: LeBron and 'Melo going at it in the fourth quarter.
The Decider: The Heat's defense
The second seeded Miami Heat will face the surging Knicks in what promises to be an entertaining series of streaky three-point shooting, good defence, and superstars. The Miami Heat are the better team, even though their play of recent has been eyebrow-raising. But, an offensive machine like the Knicks, with a hot 'Melo, could give the Heat some trouble. I think the Heat will take care of business at home, but that the Knicks will steal at least one game in the basketball Mecca that is MSG. This will be a very entertaining series, even though it will only be 5 games.
Indiana Pacers vs. Orlando Magic
Prediction: Pacers in 5
What to Watch: Will the Pacers assert how good they are by killin' the Magic, or will they show their weaknesses?
The Decider: Roy Hibbert's size
In the 3-6 matchup, the surprising Pacers will take on the Dwight Howard-less Magic, who have won 4 or their last ten games. The Pacers have a distinct size advantage over the Magic, as Roy Hibbert dwarfs Glen Davis, who will probably be trying to guard him, even if he is playing with his recently injured ankle. Ryan Anderson, Jason Richardson, and Jameer Nelson could easily get hot from three and take a game from the Pacers. However, home court will work to a distinct advantage for the Pacers, with Paul George possibly throwing down some huge dunks during the course of the games.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics
Prediction: Celtics in 6
What to Watch: Rajon Rondo continuing his streak of 24 consecutive double-digit games, and picking apart to Hawks D
The Decider: Celtics' Playoff experience
The Fourth-seeded Hawks will take on the Celtics, who sort of gave up on home court advantage, in favour of resting some of the Big Four over the last few games. Although Josh Smith is absolutely going beast mode this year, the rest of the Hawks have not been very impressive, with the exception of Joe Johnson at times, who can take and make huge shots down the stretch. The Hawks will win a few games based on hot shooting, but Boston has KG playing center very well of lately, while the Hawks have no inside counter-punch.
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