Predictions: East Semi-Finals
(1) Miami Heat v (4) Brooklyn Nets (2) New York Knicks v (3) Indiana Pacers
Miami Heat v Brooklyn Nets A New York, Brooklyn series wouldve had the media chomping at the bit but it looks like Brooklyn will have to try and deal with Miami. With Miamis sweep of Milwaukee theyll have a few more days rest and take care of business at home without any trouble. I wouldnt be surprised if the Heat take game three as well but the Nets have the ability to bounce back and stay off a sweep. Gerald Wallace is solid but may have too much to handle in LeBron but again the point guard matchup goes to the Nets Deron Williams. Dwyane Wade can only handle Williams or Joe Johnson one at a time, so the other should free up enough to give the Heat a mild scare but ultimately will lose out to the Heats big three. There just isnt a better three-player combination in the league right now.
Result: Heat win 4-1
New York Knicks v Indiana Pacers These series used to be rough and ready in the days of Patrick Ewing and Reggie Miller. The Knicks have the better standout star in Carmelo Anthony and hell likely continue to be the focus heading in but Indiana has a range of good sized options to try and contain him in Paul George, Danny Granger or even Tyler Hansborough if Anthony goes into the post. Tyson Chandler should keep Roy Hibbert in check as he isnt a dependable big-outing player and I see the Knicks turning up the tempo and getting past the Pacers. While theyll get through, it will be interesting to see how fatigue or possible injuries will come up as this could kill New York but if everyones healthy, they should dispatch the Pacers in six games.
Result: Knicks win 4-2 And now to the East finals and the Play-Off finals overall...