King James to rule the East

To say the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs was good is an understatement. None of the series seemed too top heavy, as the only sweep was the No. 1 seed Cleveland over the eigth seeded Pistons. Now entering the second round, fans of the NBA are sure to be ready for two more great series. (1) Cleveland vs. (4) Atlanta

I need to give the advantage to Cleveland in this one for the sole reason that they have a team of three, who I don't think can get beat by anyone in the Eastern Conference: LeBron James, Mo Williams and Delonte West.

Atlanta has a good team that will be a major title contender within the next two years, but Cleveland is the best team in the NBA, and are able to play at home for the maximum of four games, an advantage that their nearly-perfect home record will not let slip from their fingers.

Joe Johnson had a great game seven against the Heat and if that carries over, the Hawks may have a bit of a surprise against the favorites, but I'm not counting on it. I have the Cavs winning in five for this one.

(2) Boston vs. (3) Orlando

Before I get in to this oncoming series, it is important to look back at both the Celtics and the Magic in terms of their first round experience. Orlando played Philadelphia and although they were played tough by the 76ers, the Magic were still able to walk away unscathed for a majority of the season.

Boston, on the other hand, had to go through the fire in order to reach the second round, engaging in an epic battle with Chicago, which is going to be remembered as one of the best seven-game first-round series in NBA history.

Now in terms of the second-round matchup, it seems like a perfect storm for Boston to be having an early exit from the playoffs. The Celtics are tired, and their front court is fragile. Losing Kevin Garnett leaves the Celtics with Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis in the front court, both of whom can't match up with Dwight Howard.

The outside game has to be given to the Celtics for the sheer reason Ray Allen can't miss in clutch situations. This series has the potential to go either way, but in the end I see Orlando advancing to the Conference finals against the Cavaliers.

Conference Finals

A Magic/Cavs matchup in the conference finals wouldn't be as sweet as a Celtics/Cavs conference final, but it can still be a great series between two teams who want it badly.

The Cavaliers all season have seemed destined to make it to the NBA finals, and I believe it is going to happen. LeBron has always been seen as the center of the Cleveland franchise, and we have yet to see the best from him in these playoffs.

I have the Cavaliers in seven against an evenly-matched Magic, and I'm going to go ahead and pick the King to gain his crown in the Finals.