I don’t think there is much really to say to introduce this topic. We fans have been much more interested in the NBA with the Western Conference being so exciting. But you can’t leave out some real powerhouses in the East either.

So here are my predictions for the 2008 NBA Playoffs in the Eastern Conference…

8. Atlanta Hawks at 1. Boston Celtics - It’s been quite a while since we had a Boston Celtics team on the cusp of winning an NBA Championship. Heck, it’s been a while since the Boston Celtics have been worth watching at all, unless you live in Massachusetts. The Atlanta Hawks have some pretty talented young players as well as some veterans which could help them navigate the playoff waters. But don’t fool yourself. If you think the Hawks can even take one game from the hungry Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, you are sorely mistaken. Prediction: Boston Celtics in 4.

7. Philadelphia 76ers at 2. Detroit Pistons - The 76ers group of nobodies have been beating good teams in the last 25 games of the season (though they have faded at the very end). They are not going to beat the veteran Detroit Pistons, however. The Pistons have a date with the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, and they certainly aren’t going to be disappointed by the 76ers. Prediction: Detroit Pistons in 5.

6. Toronto Raptors at 3. Orlando Magic - I picked against both of these teams last year because neither of them had enough experience to match up with their opponents, if I recall correctly. One of them is going to have to win this year. It’s a tough choice, but I think I’m going to go with the home team. Prediction: Orlando Magic in 7.

5. Washington Wizards at 4. Cleveland Cavaliers - We all know what Lebron James can do in the playoffs. The Cleveland Cavaliers have the homecourt advantage. The Cleveland Cavaliers are the defending Eastern Conference Champions. With all that said, I don’t think the Cleveland Cavaliers are going to beat the Washington Wizards in a 7 game series. In fact, with injury problems and the poor play of the Cavs of late, I don’t even think it will go 7 games. Prediction: Washington Wizards in 6.