Eastern Conference
Cleveland Cavaliers (No. 1 seed) vs. Detroit Pistons (No. 8 seed)
Prediction: Cavaliers in 4
Although the Detroit Pistons won the regular season series 3-1 against the Cavs, don’t count on them beating the Cavaliers in the post season this many times. LeBron James led teams are 10-0 in the First round of the Playoffs. One bad strike against Detroit, The Cavs come into the this post season healthier than last year 2nd strike, injuries to Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving put a huge load on James last year. Lastly this is the first time in 7 years the young Stan Van Gundy led Pistons have made a post season appearance. But watch out for a 20 point and 20 rebound performance form Detroit big man Andre Drummond he’ll need help if the pistons want to steal a game.
Toronto Raptors (No. 2 seed) vs. Indiana Pacers (No. 7 seed)
Prediction: Raptors in 7
After posting the best regular season record in franchise history with 56 wins the Raptors look to avenge their post season woes after being swept out of the First Round last year, Toronto looks to make a push to the Eastern Conference Finals with their dynamic backcourt in Kyle Lowry,DeMar Derozan and big man Jonas Valanciunas controlling the paint. This Paul George led Pacers team looks to upset the “NORTH”. Rookie Myles Turner has shown flashes of what is to come in the future, being able to play inside and have a mid-range jump shot plus being able to knock down the 3 ball is dangerous. The Pacers will put the defensive clamps on the Raptors for 2 games but the Raptors will figure things out and get past them.
Miami Heat (No. 3 seed) vs Charlotte Hornets (No. 6 seed)
Prediction: Heat in 6
The Miami Heat and the Hornets are pretty evenly matched and predicate winning games on playing great Defense. The Heat will miss All-Star big man Chris Bosh due to recurring blood clots. Theres no need to worry, the Heat will be led by Heat lifer Dwyane Wade and champions Head Coach Erik Spoelstra. Along his side will be youth and experience, young supporting cast for the Heat will feature big man Hassan Whitteside who can have 20 point, 20 rebound, and 10 blocks night any night, Rookies Justice Winslow and Josh Richardson will be huge off the bench but so is the addition of Joe Johnson who the Heat got after a buyout with the Brooklyn Nets. Don’t look for the Hornets to backdown lack of defense from Heat Guard Goran Dragic will allow Kemba Walker to create his own shot, handle the ball tremendously and get his teammates involved.
Atlanta Hawks (No. 4 seed) vs Boston Celtics (No. 5 seed)
Prediction: Hawks in 6
The Celtics and Hawks enter the post season with the same record 48-34. but the Hawks took 3 out of the 4 regular season games against them. The Hawks are led by their trio in Point Guard Jeff Teague, forwards Paul Millsap and Al Horford. plus it helps that the Hawks can go to backup guard Dennis Schroder at any time for a spark. But third year Celtics Head Coach Brad Stevens had done an outstanding job with team he has the players playing at a higher level. Point guard Isiah Thomas knows how to get the hoop really well and he also knows how to get to the free throw line too. Jae Crowder is back to lock down people defensively and you cant forget the best on ball defender for the Celtics in Avery Bradley. It also helps that they have forwards Kelly Olynyk, Jared Sullinger, plus Amir Johnson to space the floor and Tyler Zeller to clean the glass.
Octavius Thomas 