2009 NBA Playoffs 1st Round East Predictions

(1)Cleveland vs. (8)Detroit

People are wondering how the Cavs have only lost two games at home all season. Really one, that lost against the Sixers was given away. A friend of mines seems to think that the refs play a big part in why the Cavs can't be beat at home, I seem to really think it's the addition of Mo Williams. Lebron has been the best player in the league the past couple seasons, it's always good to argue but everything considered, he is. But this team graduated to another level with the addition of a the can't miss 2 guard. He is who they have been missing, teams can no longer just crowd James like they did in previous playoffs. Now when they do that, they pay. The Cavs went from a really good team to elite status. The Pistons will win one game in Detroit and that's it. Maybe now the Pistons brass will under that Curry can't coach and Stuckey isn't better than Hamilton... or Iverson. Cavs in 5

Series Guarantee: Detroit will lose a game by 30!

(2)Boston vs. (7)Chicago

KG's probably out for the entire playoffs. Chicago boast a long athletic group that will beat you if you do not bring your A- game. To be honest on paper it looks like Chicago is the deeper team but they lack killers. The C's still have two killers left, in Pierce and Allen. It's a good thing that the Celtics won the Chip last year because more than anything winning the Champonship elevates the play of the role players. This has obviously made players like Tony Allen, Rondo, Glen Davis grow up and become better players. The Bulls are still trying to find their way, they are probably at least two years away from being a serious PROBLEM. Boston is too much of a team to lose to Chicago even if they are missing KG. They will run like a well oiled machine is end the Bulls scare in 6 games. C's in 6

Series Guarantee: Derrick Rose will make another classic YouTube video at the expense of Rondo. Rondo loves to D'up and Rose is lightning quick with a sick handle. Eh, something has to give.

(3)Orlando vs. (6)Philadelphia

The Sixers acquired Elton Brand who again missed most of the season due to injury. So the player that was suppose to make them a serious contender was a non factor. You basically have the same Sixers team you had last year maybe just a little bit better. Hey if there wasn't a 3-point line Philly would be a great team, but there is and they are not. For the Sixers to beat Orlando they'll have to defend the mess out of the three point line and dare the Magic to make Howard score 40. A sensable stragedy but they won't employ it. They'll continue to try to double Howard, leave shooters open and refuse to use the shooters they have to combat the 3's made against them. There's too much post-game bark and not enough on the court bite from Iguodala. Too much of a inconsistent defensive game plan from the Sixers and Dalembert still trying to figure out what his role is. Too much Lewis, too much Turkoglu and too much Dwight Howard walking it out all over the Sixers bigs. Orlando in 6

Series Guarantee: You will like and know who Thaddeus Young is after this series.