Bware's First Round Preview and Predictions: Eastern Conference

[BwareDWare94 723]

Atlanta Hawks (1) versus Brooklyn Nets (8)

Summary

Imagine watching the Seattle Seahawks destroy the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl over and over again. That's what will likely happen in this series.

Key Pieces

Atlanta--Teague, Millsap, Horford, Budenholzer

Brooklyn--Lopez, Johnson

X-Factors

Atlanta--Carroll, Schroder

Brooklyn--Jack?

Maximum Win Totals:

Atlanta-4

Brooklyn-0

Prediction

Atlanta is far too good for the laughably mediocre Nets. This series is all but over from the first tip, and expect the Hawks to run away with every game. 4-0, Hawks

Cleveland Cavaliers (2) versus Boston Celtics (7)

Summary

The Celtics are an incredible feel good story of a team with no real superstars or even household names--an odd mix of gritty players coached by the best young coach in the league in Brad Stevens. Nevertheless, their first round opponent is LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston simply has no chance at winning this series without clear go-to players when baskets are needed.

Key Pieces

Cleveland--James, Love, Irving

Boston--Bradley, Bass, Thomas, Stevens

X-Factors

Cleveland--Mozgov, the underrated Blatt

Boston--Smart

Maximum Win Totals

Cleveland--4

Boston--1

Prediction

The Cavaliers prove to be far too much, despite a valiant effort and excellent coaching by Stevens. Expect surprisingly close games in games 2 and 3, but otherwise the Cavs will run away with this series. 4-0, Cavaliers.

Chicago Bulls (3) versus Milwaukee Bucks (6)

Summary

The Chicago Bulls were a mystery coming into the 2014-15 season. How good will Derrick Rose be? Will he stay healthy? Does Pau have anything left in the tank? How about Jimmy Butler's progression? Even with Rose's injuries, I'd say that all 3 question areas eventually proved to be pleasant surprises. You factor in the rise of Mirotic and surprisingly good play from veterans like Aaron Brooks, and the Bulls are scary. On the other side of this first round coin are the gritty and unique Milwaukee Bucks, a strange mix of talents that Jason Kidd has somehow thrown in the blender and produced a wonderful product for Bucks and NBA fans to watch.

Key Pieces

Chicago--Noah, Pau, Butler

Milwaukee--Giannis, Middleton, Kidd

X-Factors

Chicago--Rose

Milwaukee--MCW, Henson

Maximum Win Totals

Chicago--4

Milwaukee-4

Prediction

I expect a great series from the opening tip. Both teams are coached well and play very well together. The Bucks have the length to play great defense against the Bulls and you never know what a freak like Giannis might do in a playoff series. For some reason, I'm feeling the upset in this series. 4-2, Bucks.

Toronto Raptors (4) versus Washington Wizards (5)

Summary

This series exemplifies the truth of potential versus product, and neither of these teams even approached their full potential in the regular season. The Wizards went on a mind-boggling run of losses about midseason, and the Raptors were such a Jekyl and Hide outfit that I'm surprised they have home court advantage even in the first round in the playoffs. A toss-up series if there ever was one.

Key Pieces

Toronto--Lowry, DeRozan, Casey (not a great coach, but much better than Wittman)

Washington--Wall, Beal, Gortat

X-Factors

Toronto--Williams, Valencunas

Washington--Pierce, Nene

Maximum Win Totals

Toronto--4

Washington--4

Prediction

This series will tilt back and forth like a seesaw, swinging momentum drastically, and seemingly in final fashion, only to prove itself wrong and watch the other team flail itself back into the picture. The only way this series gets lopsided is if Valencunas plays very very well. I'm expecting a 6-7 gamer. 4-3, Raptors.

Edited April 18, 2015 by BwareDWare94

[BradyFan81 404]

Would love for the Celts to steal a game in Cleveland. Maybe have it be 2-2 heading into game 5. The bitching LeBron would do at his teammates during the 2 losses would just be so fun to watch

 

Not expecting us to win the series but it'd be nice to put a scare into Cleveland. Was a fun season, we have an awesome GM and coach, so we're just gonna get better.