The NBA Playoffs are right around the corner. One of the longest postseasons in sports is about to get underway. The drama on TNT continues starting on April 16th, which is only a mere five days away from today. Two things that intrigue me the most, are the matchups that will be going on in the conference quarterfinals, along with who will representing each conference in the conference finals, and ultimately the NBA Finals.

The Eastern Conference looks like it is going to finish up as follows in all likelihood:

(1)Chicago Bulls v. (8)Indiana Pacers
(4)Orlando Magic v. (5) Atlanta Hawks
(3)Boston Celtics v. (6)New York Knicks
(2)Miami Heat v. (7)Philadelphia 76ers

The match-up that instantly draws the attention of NBA enthusiasts is of course the Celtics/Knicks series. The addition of Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups makes this a sexy upset pick.

Think again.






The Boston Celtics have been here before, they know what to do in these situations. The Celtics will be ready to play come playoff time, they will be healthy and they will have motivation to play Celtic Basketball again. Playoff time brings out the roar in this group. The Celtics take this series in 6.

When I look down the list of these playoff teams, the team that surprises me the most are the Philadelphia 76ers. They still have a chance for the 6 seed in the East? I havent heard of these guys all year, yet the find a way to win games. They are led in scoring by Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala while Jrue Holiday handles the team at the Point Guard position. Is this team dangerous v. Miami in the first round?

No.

Miami sweeps this series or wins in 5 games. Miami has way too much firepower to even let Philly stay in contention. This is a no brainer.

In the conference semifinals i have the following matchups:

(1)Chicago Bulls v. (4)Orlando Magic
(2)Miami Heat v. (3)Boston Celtics

If the standings stay true, and the Heat maintain the number two seed in the East, they have a huge advantage against the Celtics in the conference semis. The Celtics are great at home, not so great on the road. The Celtics did win the season series with the Heat with a count of 3-1 over the newly revamped team from South Beach. If the Celtics get a draw with the Heat in the second round as a (3)seed, I see the Celtics going home in seven games, and the Miami Heat going on to face Derrick Rose and the Bulls for a shot to go to the NBA Finals.

(1)Chicago Bulls v. (2)Miami Heat


You heard it here first, at the Sports Guru

Pictures complement of http://ambasketball.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/derrick-rose.jpg, http://ambasketball.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/derrick-rose.jpg, and http://miamiheatbeat.com/files/2009/11/dwayne-wade.jpg