NBA Playoff Scenarios: Eastern Conference

The 2009 NBA Playoff bracket is set with very little intriguing matchups in the first-round. But as many sports fans know, and Kevin Garnett for that matter, anything is possible. Let's examine the scenarios for each playoff matchup:

Eastern Conference

#8 Pistons vs. #1 Cavaliers

Pistons will win if: Somehow Chauncy Billups sneaks into a Pistons uniform and they play like 2004 championship team.
Cavaliers win win if: If Lebron plays even average, the Cavs will win in five.
Prediction: Cavaliers in 5


#7 Bulls vs. #2 Celtics

Bulls will win if: Bulls completely dominate the paint and Derrick Rose plays the best basketball of his life.
Celtics will win if: They win at least one of two when the series shifts to Chicago. Other than the Cavaliers, the Celtics are the best home team in the NBA.
Prediction: Celtics in 5


#6 Sixers vs. #3 Magic

Sixers will win if: The Sixers figure out a way to contain Dwight Howard. Also, if Andre Iguodala has a couple 30-point games, things could definitely shift towards Philly.
Magic will win if: As long as Dwight Howard dominates the paint and comes up big on the offensive glass. The Magic are a bit out of sorts right now so second chance points might turn out to be big.
Prediction: Magic in 6

#5 Heat vs. #4 Hawks

Heat will win if: If Dwayne Wade doesn't have to do it all on his own. Wade is one of the best in the NBA, but he needs his supporting cast to step up. Players like Jamario Moon, Udonis Haslem, and Mario Chalmers have to have solid performances.
Hawks will win if: If they play in any way like the team that took the Celtics to seven games last season. The Hawks defeated the Heat by two just two nights ago with a strong performance from the bench. They'll need more of that in the playoffs.
Prediction: Heat in 7