Eastern Conference

While everyone at ESPN, Sports Illustrated and (insert national media outlet here) is going on and on writing the 50,485th story about how amazing the Western Conference playoffs are going to be, here at 4th and 26 the topic of discussion is the Eastern Conference playoffs (or the Leastern conference, as the "elites" in the West will have you believe). Let me remind you arrogant West Coasters that the east has taken two of the last four titles, and are primed to gather another one. 3 of 5 titles, or a superior out of conference record- which is more impressive? That's what I thought. On to the breakdown of the probable teams:

Boston Celtics:
What is there to say about Boston that hasn't been said? The Boston Three-Party (among other names) of Paul Pierce (19.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 4.6 apg), Ray Allen (17.9, 3.7, 3.9), and Kevin Garnett (19, 9.3. 3.9) is the favorite for the title. They have the best record in the league, a dominating record vs. the west, and a sweep of the fabled "Texas Triangle" (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio). Throw in some talented young guys (Rondo, Perkins, Big Baby) and the veteran presence of Sam Cassell, and what's not to like?
Well, for one, these guys haven't exactly performed spectacularly in the playoffs in the past. And Doc Rivers may have wore down his starters during the regular season. But those are minor concerns compared to the rest of the East. The Celtics are the definitive favorites.

Detroit Pistons:
The Spurs of the East- the team nobody wants to face. The team that lurks in the background, waiting to pounce and give you another ratings-killing finals and sound defense. This is without question one of the best and most experienced quartets in the league. Tayshaun Prince and his long arms and dogged defense. Chauncey "Mr. Big Shot" Billups and his rugged leadership. Richard "Rip" Hamilton (the one with mask, for all you non basketball fans) and his silky smooth jumper. And who can forget everyone's favorite ex- Jailblazer, your defending Technical Foul Champion for years running, Rasheed Wallace. They have some questions at center, but the supporting cast is filled with youthful future stars. I really feel Jason Maxiell is going to be a fantastic player someday. Watch out for this club- they can beat the Celtics. Emphasis on "can". Should be an amazing EC Final if they both make it.

Orlando Magic:
Dwight Howard is the best Center in the league. There is no contest. He has taken the mantle from the Diesel. 20.8 ppg and 15.4 rpg. make him the almost unanimous choice for All NBA First Team Center. Outside of him, they have the well-paid Rashard Lewis, who never really found his groove in Orlando, but is still a solid player. Hedo Turkoglu is a well-deserved candidate for Most Improved Player. Jameer Nelson, a Philadelphia hero, is a contributor as well.
(Oh, and on a side note: to all college basketball announcers and well-meaning friends of mine who told me JJ Redick was going to be a good player in the NBA: I told you so. 0 Games Started, 43 % FG, and 3.5 ppg. Speaking of which, whatever happened to Christian Laettner?)

Cleveland Cavaliers:
LeBron James. 30.2 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 7.3 apg, 1.8 bpg, 1.0 spg... I could go on, but that would just be because there's nothing to write about for the rest of the team. LeBron James is the team. Big Z is an OK player, but OK doesn't win championships. Wally Sczerbiak just hasn't looked comfortable since the trade. And Ben Wallace is probably telling Daniel Gibson that back in his day, he walked uphill both ways to the NBA Championship, and is struggling to remember whether he guarded Shaq or Kareem or possibly Mikan in the finals. Oh well. If Bron-Bron catches fire, this team can go places. If not, first round exit. Simple as that. Did I mention LeBron James plays for this team?

The rest of the playoff teams and predictions either after class or tomorrow.. whichever I feel like. Thanks for reading.