Unleash The Beasts: The 2011 Eastern Conference Playoffs Preview

Chicago Bulls (1) vs. Indiana Pacers (8)

The Bulls In: It seemed unbelievable that the Bulls, from being a middle seed last season, has emerged as a dominant team that just took home court advantage all through out the playoffs. With Derrick Rose playing as the MVP that everyone believes him to be, the Bulls are virtually unstoppable in this playoff series, and they might be able to finish things earlier than expected.

The Pacers In: Indiana is a young team, but their energy is what makes them dangerous. Danny Granger can score from everywhere, and so can Roy Hibbert, Brandon Rush, and Darren Collison, not to mention rookie Paul George who can become of great help in offensive stretches. Also, with the way this team recovers and zips up and down the court, it would seem that defense will not be a big problem.

What Could Be: The Pacers are actually dangerous, but with coach Tom Thibodeau's trademark defense, Chicago could just tame them down and leave them out cold on the floor. Bulls in 6.

Orlando Magic (4) vs. Atlanta Hawks (5)

The Magic In: It was a huge upgrade for the Orlando Magic, but it's a matter of using them well. They have a ton of shooters out there, and if nothing works, then they have Howard on the block and force double-teams that destroy the defensive flow of every opponent. For this playoff series, they just have to make everything work, and they will be on their way to the next stage.

The Hawks In: The Hawks had gotten a few pieces that could work well, although during the last stretch of the season, things did not go as they planned. But still, with playmaker Kirk Hinrich setting up and taking the job off feeding to Josh Smith or Al Horford, the Hawks could be as dangerous as they were during last year. Also, with backup guys Jamal Crawford and Marvin Williams making the most out of their time in the court, the Hawks SHOULD be taken seriously.

What Could Be: Dwight Howard will be a key in this series. Assuming that he gts the job done, then the Hawks could pack their bags and wait for another season. Magic in 6.

Miami Heat (2) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (7)

The Heat In: Despite losing the top spot to the Bulls during the regular season, the Heat is still a team that the East should be afraid of. Dwyane Wade, Lebron James, and Chris Bosh all have playoff experiences, and brought together, all three of them could be potentially dangerous. But would the bench be able to catch up with them and step up when necessary?

The Sixers In: The last time we have seen the Sixers in the playoffs was two year ago, when they made the life of the Orlando Magic difficult in the first round. Now, with star Andre Iguodala carrying the team together with hopefuls like Thaddeus Young and Jrue Holiday, as well as a little help from big man Elton Brand, it would be surprising if they gave Miami the same sense of fear and shock. The thing is that they just have to do it and execute things well.

What Could Be: Put simply, Miami's stars would be too powerful for the Sixers, and things might end quickly as expected. Heat in 5.

Boston Celtics (3) vs. New York Knicks (6)

The Celtics In: Until now, the guys in green still have a problem in dealing with the number five position. With Shaq sidelined and JO still unstable, it will be up to Glen Davis and Nenad Krstic to fill in that paint-dominating spot. Nevertheless, they still have the waning Boston Big Three to take charge, backed up by Jeff Green, Delonte West, and the rest of the Celtics bench. Simply put, Doc Rivers' team still has the spunk to make it in the Finals.

The Knicks In: It was about damn time for the New York Knicks to finally gain a playoff spot and take a shot at the championship once again. Carmelo Anthony's transfer to the East might have made things harder for New York at the start. But then, this is the playoffs, and with these three guys knowing their role in the playoffs, expect them to come out strong and make it, assuming that they get it done on the D.

What Could Be: This will be the biggest first round match in this year's playoffs, but the green guys' down-the-wire playoff experience will get them out alive despite the lack of a good center. Celtics in 7.