NBA Playoffs: Eastern Conference Preview

By Trey Cosby

I wrote an article a month or so ago on how much the NBA midseason trades generated interest throughout the league, and so far most teams did improve their performances with those added pieces to the puzzle.  The teams that were most noted for making “blockbuster” trades are all going to the playoffs, with the Atlanta Hawks checking in as the worst team on paper after the Mike Bibby trade.

This year is very odd because of the obvious talent drought that exists in the East.  The Boston Celtics are thought of by many to be the best team in the NBA because of their 64-16 record.  They have been beating up on opponents all year long with nobody really challenging them for the best record in the East.  When you look at the teams behind them, you might think the Celtics are just abusing a bunch of sub par teams.  This is true for the most part, but you also have to look at the fact that those same Celtics are destroying the teams in the West to the tune of: 25-5.  No matter how you slice it, the Celtics are going to be tough to beat as we head into the first round of the NBA playoffs, and for the first time all year, they seem to have everybody healthy.

Along with the unbelievable talents of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, you can now add to the mix the embattled, multi-dimensional, thoroughly experienced point guard Sam Cassell.  Cassell is a perfect fit who will bring the Celtics added toughness and flexibility from the point guard position during the playoffs.  Hel is almost like having a coach on the court.  He has won NBA Championships in Houston, and just about any place he has been, the team that he was sent to has benefited greatly from his services.  As teams will have the tendency to double-team Garnett throughout the playoffs, Cassell will make them pay with his deadly outside shooting.

When you look to the rest of the East, it is a toss-up between Detroit, Cleveland or Orlando.  Never count out Cleveland because they have Lebron James.  It is true that they are only 12 and 12 since the big trade, but James is a special player who is going to rise to the occasion.  He will make his teammates better once the playoffs begin, and the numbers from those players during the regular season won’t make a difference at that point.  Cleveland is built now for the long haul.  They have depth and they have a talented cast to support Mr. James.  Right now James is averaging almost 31 points per game, and a ton of rebounds and assists.  Once the playoffs kick into high gear, Lebron will elevate his game.  Look for him to score over 35 points per game in the playoffs, with the team averaging right around 96.  If Wally Szczerbiak and Joe Smith can throw in about 12-15 points apiece through the first round match up with Washington, then look for the Cavs to sweep the Wizards and have plenty of rest to get ready for their second round foe.

Orlando has Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson and Hedo Turkoglu.  All three are immensely talented players.  Nelson has the ability to drive and dish.  Turkoglu is a force from behind the arc, and his inside game is vastly improving.  Howard is dominant in every aspect of the game.  His 21 points and 14 rebounds per game are the reason the Magic own the third best record in the East.  If Howard can keep his defensive rebounding up to par, and score at least 18 points per game, look for the Magic to advance to the second round.  They cannot afford any injuries because they are not very deep, but if everyone stays healthy throughout the playoffs then they have a great chance to make it to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals to play the Boston Celtics.

The Detroit Pistons will have something to say about that, however, and their experience in big games might end up making the difference.  With the second best record in the Eastern Conference at 57-23, the Pistons have once again proven that they deserve to be considered among the best teams in the NBA.  Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton anchor a team that has a great defense and a very strong inside game.  What separates the Pistons from the Magic, however, is the fact that they can turn to any number of players to give them added points off the bench.  Jarvis Hayes is one of the best reserve players in the NBA.  He can score points with the best of them.  His game has greatly improved with Flip Saunder’s style of play, and he can be a go-to guy in just about any situation; especially when teams are trying to double Rasheed Wallace or Antonio McDyess inside.

The Pistons get outstanding guard play from every level of the bench, and they are relentless when it comes to scoring the basketball.  All year long they have combined smash-mouth inside play, experienced guard play and excellent bench help to propel themselves to the top of the league.  They are a few games behind the Celtics as we enter the post-season, but don’t be surprised if they come out smoking when the playoffs begin.  The East is going to be wide open in the next few weeks.  It will be interesting to see who makes it to the NBA Finals.  The Western Conference preview is next, so stay tuned…