2008 Eastern Conference Playoff Matchups

The East side has been set for this season's NBA Playoffs. Even though the Celtics have been without the services of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, they are still the favorites. Detroit and Cleveland also are potential NBA finalists. Overlal, there's not too many matches in which people are calling for upsets here:


1 Boston Celtics vs. 8 Atlanta Hawks

4 Cleveland Cavs vs. 5 Washington Wizards

3 Orlando Magic vs. 6 Toronto Raptors

2 Detroit Pistons vs. 7 Philadelphia 76ers

The match that's getting the most early talk is Cleveland vs. Washington, as this will be the third time the two teams have met in the playoffs. The most famous involved Gilbert Arenas at the free throw line for 2 crucial shots late in the game. Lebron mouthed something to Gil and he missed.

Orlando vs Toronto may also be an intriguing matchup. It's a shame to see both my teams out of it this year, as Chicago and New Jersey both failed to earn a spot. Chicago is enigmatic as they really have no excuses other than poor performance. New Jersey can always say the team was really disrupted by Jason Kidd, although Carter and Jefferson will certainly shoulder a lot of blame.

Stay tuned as the West matchups are still being decided. Denver is now in the driver's seat for the final 8 spot, despite Carmelo Anthony's recent driver seat arrest. The Warriors were eliminated thanks to the Phoenix Suns on Monday night.