2012 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs: The Breakdown And Predictions

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (8) vs. CHICAGO BULLS (1) – Bulls in 6 games.

Credit: sbnation.com

• The Bottom Line: Despite a limping Derrick Rose heading into the postseason, the Bulls’ defense should carry this team to a first-round series victory over the 76ers. Philly has struggled in the second half of the season, and although they might steal a game or two, don’t look to see much more.

NEW YORK KNICKS (7) vs. MIAMI HEAT (2) – Heat in 6 games.

• The Bottom Line: This isn’t your typical two-seven matchup. Both squads are loaded with superstars. But it’ll be Miami’s trio that’ll get the final laugh in this heated rivalry. While New York has had recent success, that trend gets flip-floped in this year’s playoffs behind the soon-to-be-MVP in LeBron James.

ORLANDO MAGIC (6) vs. INDIANA PACERS (3) – Pacers in 5 games.

• The Bottom Line: Dwight Howard. Without him, the Magic drop from a title contender to a team that will struggle to find its way out of the first round. It’s still amazing to see the Pacers in this spot, but realize it folks, they are for real. If the Magic can catch fire from three they’ll steal a few games. But without Dwight, Hibbert will be roaming free around the rim for the Pacers.

ATLANTA HAWKS (5) vs. BOSTON CELTICS (4) – Hawks in 7 games.

• The Bottom Line: The Celtics have been here before. And it seems Atlanta is the team that always gets bounced in the first round. But Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Jeff Teague will look to get over that hump against a veteran Celtics squad. This is really a coin flip, but with home court in Atlanta’s favor (despite being the fifth seed), the Hawks find a way to end it in Atlanta in a Game 7.