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Quarter-season projections: Match-up shots for the first-round of the Eastern Conference NBA playoffs if the season ended today.
By Mike Corasaniti
New York (14-4) v. Indiana (10-10)
Does anyone think they’re ready for this rivalry to enter into it’s post-Reggie Miller chapter? Indiana would fire out of the gate, especially with the return of some formerly absent stars, going up on the Knicks in similar fashion as they did against Miami last spring. In similar fashion though, New York’s offensive prowess begins to step back in and win it in six.
Miami (12-5) v. Boston (10-9)
It’s hard to deny, with the way that both teams are playing right now, that this being one of the most overly hyped first round match-ups would end in disappointment for the fans. Expect a fight from Boston right from the gate, possibly sending it back home to Boston tied up. Expect at least one press conference where Kevin Garnett says something absolutely foolish in regards to scorned teammate Ray Allen. But also expect Miami to wrap things up in five games, with a lot less effort than people might think.
Atlanta (11-5) v. Philadelphia (11-8)
The successful Andrew Bynum Era in Philly is still a long time coming, and a deep postseason run for the Hawks is still long overdue. Don’t expect the latter to come to fruition just yet (damn you Miami!), but don’t expect Philly to make too much noise, going down in an unimpressive five.
Brooklyn (11-7) v. Chicago (10-8)
The fanboy in everyone has got to come out in this one. New school hype vs. new era dominance could make this series a really entertaining sight for basketball fans. With a healthy Derrick Rose in the lineup, it would be extremely difficult to expect Brooklyn’s first playoff victory. But they’re current success is also much unexpected as well. Seven game toss-up.
By Mike Corasaniti
New York (14-4) v. Indiana (10-10)
Does anyone think they’re ready for this rivalry to enter into it’s post-Reggie Miller chapter? Indiana would fire out of the gate, especially with the return of some formerly absent stars, going up on the Knicks in similar fashion as they did against Miami last spring. In similar fashion though, New York’s offensive prowess begins to step back in and win it in six.
Miami (12-5) v. Boston (10-9)
It’s hard to deny, with the way that both teams are playing right now, that this being one of the most overly hyped first round match-ups would end in disappointment for the fans. Expect a fight from Boston right from the gate, possibly sending it back home to Boston tied up. Expect at least one press conference where Kevin Garnett says something absolutely foolish in regards to scorned teammate Ray Allen. But also expect Miami to wrap things up in five games, with a lot less effort than people might think.
Atlanta (11-5) v. Philadelphia (11-8)
The successful Andrew Bynum Era in Philly is still a long time coming, and a deep postseason run for the Hawks is still long overdue. Don’t expect the latter to come to fruition just yet (damn you Miami!), but don’t expect Philly to make too much noise, going down in an unimpressive five.
Brooklyn (11-7) v. Chicago (10-8)
The fanboy in everyone has got to come out in this one. New school hype vs. new era dominance could make this series a really entertaining sight for basketball fans. With a healthy Derrick Rose in the lineup, it would be extremely difficult to expect Brooklyn’s first playoff victory. But they’re current success is also much unexpected as well. Seven game toss-up.
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