NBA Playoffs - Eastern Conference 1st Round Look-In

Alright so now that all the seedings are official it is time to take a look into each match-up we have in the Eastern Conference.

Here is a look at the match-ups of the first round (ESPN's NBA playoff bracket here):

 

 

#8 Atlanta Hawks vs #1 Indiana Pacers:

Credit: Philly.com

The Hawks squeaked into the playoffs after beating out the New York Knicks for the final eighth seed out of the East. The Pacers have had their troubles these last couple months, especially Roy Hibbert who has amassed only 9 points and 12 rebounds in his last 4 games! The Atlanta Hawks best player, Al Horford, hasn't played since December 26th and he is not expected to return during their series with the Pacers. The Pacers should be able to run past the Hawks and make it to the second round. However I can see the Hawks pulling off an upset if Hibbert continues his downward spiral towards oblivion.
Prediction:
Indiana Pacers in 6 games

#7 Charlotte Bobcats vs #2 Miami Heat:

Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Maybe the most hyped story of this series will be "LeBron & the Heat vs MJ's Bobcats". Lebron James will get a chance to take on a team owned by the greatest player of all time. Knowing LeBron's attitude I think it’s safe to say he will be showing his 'A' game, especially if Michael attends any of the games. This will be Michael Jordan's first playoff appearance since being the owner of the Bobcats, and the franchise's first appearance since Larry Brown coached them to their only playoff appearance in 2009-10. The Heat will run away with this series but the Bobcats should be able to sneak out one win against the champs.
Prediction:
Miami Heat in 5 games

#6 Brooklyn Nets vs #3 Toronto Raptors:

Getty Images

The Raptors are making their first playoff appearance since the end of the 2008 season. The have a young squad ready to make a statement to the NBA. Kyle Lowry has helped lead this team to the playoffs and is showing why he should have been voted an All Star this year. The Brooklyn Nets are talented, experienced, and have a coach that was just playing in the league last year. Kevin Garnett is finally getting back into the swing of things and with Joe Johnson and Paul Pierce around, the final shot will be a tough defensive match-up for the Raptors. The true match-up to watch will be Lowry against Brooklyn's Deron Williams. I expect this series to be close every game.
Prediction:
Brooklyn Nets in 7 games

#5 Washington Wizards vs #4 Chicago Bulls:

Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls have been able to stay around the top of the Eastern Conference even though they have been without their best player for almost 2 full seasons now. The Washington Wizards have made a return to the playoffs after a 6 year hiatus thanks to great team play and elite play from their star point guard John Wall. The Bulls have one of the best defenses in the league, led by Joakim Noah, who should win a landslide Defensive Player of the Year award. The Wizards will have the advantage on offense but Chicago's defense will figure a way to limit Wall and will be the difference maker.
Prediction:
Chicago Bulls in 6 games

What do you think will be the outcome?