NBA Playoffs: Eastern Conference Predictions

The Eastern Conference is an intriguing set of playoffs this year.  Are the Cavs good enough for one more run?  Can the Celtics play with so many injuries?  Are the Raptors for real?

Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks

Celtics win 58% of the time in 6 games

 

The Celtics were in the drivers seat early this season, but a stumble before the All Star break and a wave of injuries put them in 2nd place in the East.  They've been able to hold on so far, but they went 2-4 in their last 6 games and will be without Kyrie Irving for the remainder of the playoffs.  The Bucks a re a good offensive team, but the Celtics should be able to get past with the Bucks inability to sctop other teams from scoring.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers

Cleveland Wins Series 51% of the time in 7 games

 

We get to see here if the Cavs are good enough to flip the switch in playoff time this year.  They've been great since the middle of March, when they've gone 11-3.  

 Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers

76ers win 65% of the time in 6 games

 

This series is likely over a little quicker than this, with just how good the Sixers have been.  They've won 16 straight, despite missing Joel Embiid for a good chunk of time.  They've had the best defensive rating in the league since the 15th, and the third best TS%.  The Heat in the same stretch did rank 4th in Drtg, but just 18th in TS%.

Toronto Raptors vs Washington Wizards

Toronto Wins 90% of the time in 4 games

The Raptors are the best challenge to the Cavs since Lebron's return to Cleveland.  They're a team that is solid defensively, but is downright electric on offense.  The Wizards have been atrocious the last several weeks, and should pose little threat.