1. Chicago Bulls vs. 5. Atlanta Hawks
Regular Season Matchup: Bulls 2-1
Overview: Which Atlanta Hawks team will show up for this series? The one that dismantled Orlando by playing a complete-team game? Or the one that limped into the playoffs with a lackadaisical, don't-give-a-crap attitude? Uncertainty about the ATL's approach to these games makes this series somewhat difficult to call.
What we do know: Chicago snuck past the Pacers with the weakest 4-1 series victory you'll ever see. Derrick Rose more or less lived up to his billing, but at times it seemed as if the Bulls had failed to send any other players besides the Thorned Assassin onto the court. If Deng, Boozer, and Noah can break out and return to regular-season form, look for the Bulls to make quick work of the series.
Key Matchup: Atlanta Hawks vs. apathy
The Hawks deserve to be derided for their profound regular-season underachievement, highlighted by Joe Johnson's disgracing of the title of highest-paid NBA player. Will they rest on their laurels after revenging last season's debacle against the Magic? Or will they play with pride and purpose?
Prediction: Bulls in 6
2. Miami Heat vs. 3. Boston Celtics
Regular Season Matchup: Celtics 3-1
Overview: This is a matchup everyone has been excited to see. The starting lineups contain a combined 7 all-stars, as well as this year's 3-point contest champion and 2 of the 5 best centers of the past 15 years. Boston embarrassed Miami at the beginning of the season before losing in awful fashion in April--a game that proved critical to giving the Heat home court advantage in this series. That loss was, perhaps, a low point for the Celtics after the Perkins-for-Green trade; the Celtics seemed to have lost the unique ubuntu togetherness that was always displayed in contrast to the Heat's evil-empire team building style. Since then, the Celtics crushed the Knicks in 4 games, while the Heat managed a somewhat pedestrian 4-1 series victory against the 76ers.
Key Matchups: Chris Bosh vs. Kevin Garnett
Both players are essential to their teams' success, and both are facing big question marks this playoffs: Bosh has yet to live up to his superstar reputation with any playoff performances of note, and Garnett's age and creaky knees seemed to catch up with him at points this season. The 4 who can dominate gives his team an instant leg up in this series.
Rajon Rondo vs. Mike Bibby
Outrageous as this matchup looks, it's key. Rondo absolutely torched the Heat in the beginning of the season, and should have free rein again against a slower pg in Bibby. If he can get to the paint and dish for open looks, the Celtics should send LeBra home yet again. If Bibby can slow Rondo down at all, this series will be a lot closer and a lot more interesting.
Prediction: Celtics in 7
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