2015 Eastern Conference NBA Playoff Preview

By: Ethan Brisby 

@ethanbrisby

After 82 warm up games, the NBA Playoffs will officially be here this weekend. I know not everyone watches the regular season, so let’s take a look at the match ups in the Eastern Conference, and I will share my insight on what to look for in each dual.

Atlanta Hawks versus Brooklyn Nets

The Hawks enter this series as the Eastern Conference’s best team based on record. No one really looks for them to actually represent the East in the NBA Finals, but they can begin to climb that mountain by handling the Nets. The Hawks have balanced scoring and can have all five starters give you 10 or more points on any given night.

They offensively are led by Jeff Teague an All-Star point guard with heart and big play ability. He will not become shy when the lights come on as he showed us last year when the Hawks as an eight seed gave the favorited Indiana Pacers all they could handle before gracefully bowing out. What will ultimately decide the Hawks fate is how well Kyle Kover plays.

Kover hits nearly 50% of his three point attempts, and that alone requires two sets of eyes to watch him as he curls off screens and Atlanta creates ways to get him open looks. If he keeps knocking down threes, Atlanta should not have any problem with Brooklyn. If Brooklyn is to put up a fight and win a game or two it will hinge upon Brook Lopez being an anchor in the middle. Throw in Joe Johnson who is good for at least one 30 point game, and I call it Atlanta 4-1.

Cleveland Cavaliers versus Boston Celtics

Look no further than the starting line up to decided what this series will look like. The Celtics are like the freshman that got to go to prom. I do not expect much out them against the real Eastern Conference favorites. Kyrie Irving after being chastised by Lebron James early in the season for not knowing how to win has come along well, and he will be making his playoff debut. I look for him to solidify himself as a top 3 point guard in the league as the Cavs make their run at the title.

Look for rookie Marcus Smart to play extended minutes as he will be the likely person charged with slowing Kyrie Irving down. From what I know about Marcus Smart, the former Oklahoma State player, he will not back down, and that matchup should supply some entertainment in what will likely be a four game blowout fest in favor of Cleveland. The one advantage Boston has is it’s bench, which lead the league in scoring at 41 points a night, but when you have Lebron James, Kevin Love, and Irving in your starting line up, I am just not sure bench players will be the answer. Again, Cleveland in 4.

Chicago Bulls versus Milwaukee Bucks

Did anyone expect Jason Kidd to make this big of a difference when he bolted New York for Wisconsin? Kidd, a Hall of Famer and NBA Champion as a player is making waves now as a coach. His Bucks are the sixth seed and led by blossoming star, Michael Carter Williams. It would be nice if they had 2014 #2 overall pick Jabari Parker as well for this series, but last I checked he is now making Gatorade commercials after injuring his knee during the regular season.

Speaking of injuries, it will be good to see Derrick Rose back in action on the League’s highest stage. One can only imagine the grueling workouts he has endured overcoming a stream of injuries the last three years. The player to watch for Chicago in this series may very well be the Spaniard, Paul Gasol. Back in January with Rose out nursing his knees Gasol dropped 46 points and hauled in 18 rebounds in a 95-87 win over Milwaukee. The Bucks don't have anyone that can hang with Pau down low, and the Bulls are just too physical, too tough, and too hungry for a second round match up with Cleveland to let Jason’s kids keep them down. I’m calling this one Bulls 4-1, and maybe 4-2 just cause Kidd is becoming a great coach.

Toronto Raptors versus Washington Wizards

Remember when the basketball team representing our nation’s capital was called the Bullets? Nevermind… 

This series is the highlight of the first round in the Eastern Conference, and it features two of the NBA’s top 10 point guard talents. Kyle Lowry could have signed with any team he wanted this summer as a free agent. He ultimately decided to stay North of the border, so he could run through the city with his woes. That proved to be the right decision for half the season as the Raptors looked like a potential threat to anyone in the East except Cleveland. Since the all-star break, Lowry and his boys from the 6 have been a meager 13-16. They'll need to play much better if they want to hold off John Wall and the Wizards.

John Wall, the former #1 overall pick had his coming out party on the big stage last year when he led Washington deep into the playoffs. This season the expectation are that Washington will advance again, and try and push Cleveland in the Eastern Conference Finals. The statistics are not in their favor though for this first round series, as Toronto has owned Washington since the start of last season. The Raptors have won 6 out of 7 including all three games this season. I think the leadership and big play ability of Paul Pierce will be the deciding factor for Washington. Wizards in 7.

That’s all I have for now. Let the games begin…