2012 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs
The 2011 NBA season was the most exciting basketball I had seen in a long time. The drama that enfolded with LeBron James and the Miami Heat continued into the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs and was must-see TV. In 2012, the NBA Eastern Conference Playoff chase figures to be just as competitive and thrilling as last year. Take a closer look at an early prediction for the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Playoff teams.
8. Philadelphia 76ers
In 2012, Jrue Holiday will be one of the best young guards in the NBA. He and Andre Iguodala should be enough to get the 76ers back to the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs in 2012.
7. Orlando Magic
It remains to be seen if Dwight Howard actually spends the entire 2012 NBA season in Orlando. If he does, Magic fans may be faced with watching Clark Kent on the floor in 2012 instead of Superman.
6. Indiana Pacers
David West and Danny Granger will form one of the best forward tandems in the NBA in 2012. The Pacers should build on their impressive effort against the Chicago Bulls in last year’s Eastern Conference Playoffs.
5. Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are one of the most talented teams in the NBA in 2012. Their players are near the top of all the NBA fantasy rankings. Is 2012 the year they finally make a run in the Eastern Conference Playoffs?
4. New York Knicks
The Knicks have lots of questions at the outset of the 2012 NBA season. Can Tyson Chandler get his teammates to actually play defense? Does Baron Davis have enough left at point guard to get the ball to the superstars in 2012?
3. Boston Celtics
Given the shortened 2012 NBA season and the chemistry that exists on the Celtics, I like their chances to make another run in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. I just wonder how Rajon Rondo feels after Boston tried to trade him.
2. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls were the NBA’s surprise team of 2012. With an MVP point guard and talent throughout the roster, the Bulls will be a force in 2012. Can they dominate the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs when the “bulls eye” is on them?
1. Miami Heat
At the outset of the 2012 NBA season, I don’t hear much chatter about the Heat. With all the attention on the Los Angeles Clippers, the Heat are not faced with the distractions that they were a year ago. Look for the Heat to easily secure the top seed and cruise through the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs in 2012.
Patrick Michael was born in New Orleans and currently resides in the Big Easy. A loyal New Orleans NBA fan, Patrick was a diehard New Orleans Jazz fan and now cheers for the Hornets. Patrick was in the New Orleans Arena the night the Hornets were one win away from the Western Conference Finals.
Sources
“2010-11 NBA Season Summary,” basketball-reference.com
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