These are the matchups and predictions for the 2010 NBA quarterfinals brought to you by Shaft Sports.
#1: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #8: Chicago Bulls
Caves Regular Season Record: 61-21
Bulls Regular Season Record: 41-41
The Chicago Bulls playoff hopes came down to the final regular season game. They took care of business and grabbed the final seed in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls now face a tough matchup against Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Bulls’ guards Derrick Rose and Kirk Hinrich will have the difficult task of shutting down Moe Williams who averaged 15.5 points-per-game during the regular season. To make matters worse for Chicago, Cleveland is virtually impossible to beat at home. The Caves finishing with the best regular season home record (35-6). The Caves have too much experience and scoring threats to lose this series.
Prediction: Cavaliers in 5 games
#2: Orlando Magic vs. #7 Charlotte Bobcats
Magic Regular Season Record: 59-23
Bobcats Regular Season Record: 44-38
The defending Eastern Conference champs from a year ago- the Orlando Magic want to prove last season was not a fluke. Adding hometown star Vince Carter during the offseason proved to be a shrude move on behalf of the Magic. Carter averaged 16.6 points-per-game after struggling early on in the season with his shooting. Jameer Nelson is finally healthy and Dwight Howard has been a monster as usual scoring 18.3 ppg and grabbing a league best 13.2 boards a game. The Bobcats starting five rotation are led by guard Stephen Jackson who averages 20.6 ppg. Charlotte does not have a very deep bench and playoff inexperience will lead to an early playoff exit.
Prediction: Magic in 6 games
#3: Atlanta Hawks vs. #6: Milwaukee Bucks
Hawks Regular Season Record: 53-29
Bucks Regular Season Record: 46-36
The Atlanta Hawks look to build off last season’s playoff success as they take on the Milwaukee Bucks. Both squads are explosive on offense and are exceptional in the transition game. The Hawks finished tied for the second best home record in the NBA (34-7). Couple that with the unavailability of Milwaukee’s leading scorer Andrew Bogot (broken hand) and long time Buck Michael Redd, the series could be over relatively soon. The Bucks do have rookie Brandon Jennings and John Salmons but I do not believe they will be enough to shoulder the load.
Prediction: Hawks in 5 games
#4: Boston Celtics vs. #5: Miami Heat
Celtics Regular Season Record: 50-32
Heat Regular Season Record: 47-35
The Boston Celtics managed to win the Atlantic Division despite an up and down season. This could be the last run for Celtics head coach Doc Rivers along with many of his players. Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat finished the last ten regular season games hot, sporting a 9-1 record in those contests. Miami needs Wade to play as he has in past playoff series if they have any chance of beating a much deeper, much more seasoned Celtic ball club.
Prediction: Celtics in 6 games
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