2013 Eastern Conference Playoff Preview

Out West there is some argument as to who will emerge the victor. In the East it's quite a different story. The New York Knicks and Carmelo Anthony have been a great story this season. The Indiana Pacers seem to have returned to the success of the '90's. The Brooklyn Nets went through a re-branding process and then turned in a top four finish in the conference. The Chicago Bulls played admirably all season long with their MVP sitting on the sidelines. Obviously, there are plenty of great story lines in the East, but those will be put to bed in due time. It's the Miami Heat's world when it comes to the NBA and LeBron, DWade and the Gang only reinforced that thinking with a 66-16 record. Any man with a brain would have to consider the Heat the favorite to win the title again, but these playoffs should give fans some great series. Let's take a look at the Eastern Conference first round match ups.

1. Miami Heat vs. 8. Milwaukee Bucks
Saying Heat vs. Bucks is synonymous with saying David vs. Goliath. Unlike the original story though, Goliath will win this series with ease. The Heat are better than the Bucks in every way and this should be a sweep if Miami means business from the opening tip. Miami was 2-1 versus Milwaukee in the regular season and the Bucks may steal a game at home. However, Miami was built for the playoffs and they have looked brilliant this season and have shown no signs of weakness. LeBron James is an MVP and Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh have done their jobs as well. For Bucks fans, enjoy watching Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis because it is likely the last time they will suit up together in Milwaukee. Prediction: Miami in 4
How They Stack Up
                  Points                          Rebounds                            Assists                              Points Allowed
Miami            102.9                              38.6                                    23.0                                     95.0
Milwaukee      98.9                               44.0                                   22.9                                    100.4

2. New York Knicks vs. 7. Boston Celtics
Is this an exciting series or what? New York is led by Carmelo Anthony who captured his first scoring title this season while Boston is led by veterans, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. When Rajon Rondo injured his knee midway through the season many thought the Celtics were done, but here they are. They may be the seven seed, but they are dangerous. The question is, can the older players endure a long, tough series and stay healthy? Garnett, Pierce and Jason Terry have all been banged up, but when healthy Boston is a title contender. The other key to the series for the C's is Jeff Green. They will need his offense, but more importantly his defense on Anthony. New York is hoping to get past the first round and anything less will make the season failure. That's something the Knicks don't need, nor does Carmelo. However, count on the experience of Boston if they are healthy. The championship window isn't closed just yet. Prediction: Boston in 7 
How They Stack Up

                  Points                          Rebounds                              Assists                            Points Allowed
New York       100.0                              40.6                                    19.3                                     95.7
Boston            96.5                              39.3                                    22.8                                     96.7

3. Indiana Pacers vs. 6. Atlanta Hawks
Pacers fans endured some hard years after the Malice in the Palace, but Indiana is back and they look very good. Full of budding stars, the Pacers have to be breathing a sigh of relief for not drawing the Bulls or the Celtics in the first round. Both teams would be a harder match up than Atlanta because, if history tells us anything, the Hawks are the kings of mediocrity. Count on them to be in the playoffs, but count on them to not win anything. This year should be no different. Indiana is far too difficult of a match up because of their size and athleticism. Jeff Teague versus George Hill should be a phenomenal point guard duel between two rising stars, but the key is Indiana's Paul George. The All-Star will probably be guarded by several different Hawks, but he should be able to score on anybody. Even if ATL decided to put Josh Smith on him that will give David West a mismatch. Bottom line: match ups aren't in the Hawks favor. Prediction: Indiana in 5
How They Stack Up

                  Points                          Rebounds                              Assists                            Points Allowed
Indiana            94.7                              45.9                                    20.3                                     90.7
Atlanta            98.0                              40.9                                    24.5                                     97.5

4. Brooklyn Nets vs. 5. Chicago Bulls
This could be a great series, but as with most of the Bulls' season it will be about who isn't on the floor rather than who is. Derrick Rose most likely isn't going to suit for Chicago and so the Bulls will have to get the job done without him like they have all year long. They have to be healthy though if they are to win. Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson have been banged up lately, and both players' status is uncertain. Luol Deng has shouldered the load for Chicago this season, but will he run out of gas? He averaged 38 minutes per contest this season and that could catch up to him. For Brooklyn, they have enjoyed a healthy Deron Williams this season and he is playing great basketball. If Noah is out then look for Brook Lopez to dominate. However, if Chicago is healthy then they get the slight edge in this series. Prediction: Chicago in 6
How They Stack Up

                  Points                          Rebounds                              Assists                            Points Allowed
Brooklyn         96.9                              42.8                                    20.3                                     95.1
Chicago          93.2                              43.2                                    23.0                                     92.9
   

Carmelo Finally Cracks Under Garnett's Pressure

Carmelo Anthony has erupted this season and is playing his best ball yet. The man is a serious MVP candidate averaging 29 points per game to go along with 6 rebounds and 2 assists. His play this year has been nothing short of extraordinary. Lately in the media, though, Melo has been drawing attention for negative reasons.

It started with Kevin Garnett trash-talking Melo into oblivion last week when the Celtics visited the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. KG, as only KG could, finally said the magic words to Anthony and the two had to be seperated not only on the court, but after the game as well. Melo took it upon himself to go to where the Celtics would be loading the bus and wait for Garnett. Are you serious? Every sports analyst I listened to after that incident reiterated the point that "it stays on the court". I believe those analysts are right. Why on earth would you think it a good idea to try to confront a guy outside of the basketball court, especially Kevin Garnett who you know his only goal is to get you to lose focus on the game. That's absolutely childish.

So we discovered that Melo can't handle trash talk. Then why after the Knicks third loss to the Chicago Bulls was he running his mouth about Luol Deng and the Bulls in general? Luol Deng had one of his best games of the season and dropped 33 points on Carmelo Anthony. Yet after the game Melo said he "didn't think Deng did anything". Excuse me? He also said that he wasn't worried about the Bulls at all. I would be worried, they clearly had your number the three times they played you. Why after you just threw a fit about being trash talked would you go do something silly like talk down an athlete that has done nothing personal to you?

I'd like to think that the bad week for Melo stopped after those comments but I would be incorrect. News came out today that the Knicks organization placed microphones at either end of the court in order to listen in on the talk that went on between the players during the game. The decision to do so was in order to "protect Anthony". Now we're going to babysit a 28 year old man? What happens if the Knicks find out that in some way Carmelo is instigating the trash talk. How do you plan to protect him then? This whole situation has gone much too far all because Melo let Garnett get in his head. I'm sure Garnett was being nasty with his talk, that's how he is. But Carmelo should know that and have thick skin. He's one of the best players in the league, his play should do enough talking for him, especially this year.

This past week has really shown Melo in a negative light. Everybody already knew he couldn't be tough on defense, but his mental toughness had never really been challenged. Garnett took it upon himself to see just how mentally tough Melo is and well, we know how that worked out. Melo's a great offensive player and a guy that kids look up to. I'd like to see him stop and think before he acts or speaks because he doesn't need to miss any more games to suspension with the Knicks looking like title-contenders. Just shut your mouth and play, Melo.