Fresh Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions After Game 1

Apr 20, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) drives to the net around Boston Celtics power forward Brandon Bass (30) during game one of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 85-78. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Well, we just did the Western Conference, so why not the Eastern Conference? In a year where none of the higher seeds have lost their game, could all the higher seeds win? I say no, because some of these teams still have what it takes to win. Just to be certain, let’s do a recap.

Miami obliterated Milwaukee. New York was able to escape Boston in the final quarter for a win. Indiana, led by Paul George, smacked Atlanta and took away almost all their offensive weapons. Brooklyn destroyed Chicago. That one was a bit weird to me, but these are the playoffs and anything can happen.

1. Miami vs Milwaukee:

Don’t even talk to me about this one. I mean come on, people! How is it possible that Brandon Jennings is going to back up what he says and beat the Heat in six. He was in a tight position when asked about his predictions, and while he couldn’t have said the Heat were going to win, he has to know that things aren’t good for the Bucks. The Bucks have some fire power, but it’s certainly not enough to bring down the defending champions.
Prediction: Miami wins 4-0

2. New York vs Boston:

This is the series everyone was saying would be an upset. Watching Carmelo Anthony down the stretch, however, opened my eyes. I finally realized that without Rajon Rondo, the Celtics just don’t have enough to get it done. Paul Pierce may be a big shot-taker, but Kevin Garnett isn’t, and his little 18 foot jump shots that he repeatedly misses are really hurting his team. If the Celtics think that they can take the series, they’re going to have to talk to some of their guys and step it up a little bit.

Still, Paul Pierce knows how to play down the stretch, loves silencing the crowd, and loves making his home crowd cheer. If Garnett can get back into that mindset, and remember how badly he craved that championship, the Celtics just may have a shot. Unfortunately, they don’t have a great chance.
Prediction: New York wins 4-3

3. Indiana vs Atlanta:

It didn’t look too good for Atlanta out there, as their offensive was taken away. Josh Smith was completely stumped as he watched his “magical” Hawks team taken apart piece by piece. George Hill, Roy Hibbert, and Paul George went to work on this night, and took down the Hawks plain and simple. If the Hawks can’t find a way to stop George (both of them), they’ll see a very early exit from the playoffs.
Prediction: Indiana wins 4-1

4. Brooklyn vs Chicago:

In all of the opening games of the playoffs, this one surprised me the most. The Nets are a dangerous team, I completely agree, but the Bulls have played with more hype and have shown that they can beat them. It may have been because Joakim Noah and Kirk Hinrich were out of the lineup, but the Nets were able to dismantle Chicago easly. If they don’t get past the first round, they won’t see see their star Derrick Rose until next season.

Still, I think Nate Robinson, Carlos Boozer, and Joakim Noah are good enough to lead their team to victory.
Prediction: Bulls win 4-3, or 4-2