1989 Playoffs match-up preview and predictions: East Conf.

[eddy_zamora]

NBA playoff preview: Opening round preview

Philadelphia 76ers vs . Atlanta Hawks
Season series: 3-0 (Philadelphia sweep)

Overview: The top-seeded 76ers, led by veteran forwards Jerome Kersey and Terry Cummings, are set to take on Karl Malone’s Atlanta Hawks. Although Karl isn’t an easy opponent to face, and shouldn’t ever be counted out, he has very minimal help (the other non-Malone starters on the Hawks average 9.75ppg collectively). I would predict a clean sweep due to the depth and overall starting talent on the 76ers roster.
X-factor: Karl Malone’s raw ability to carry his team to 41-wins may somehow put this Hawks team over the edge due to the 76ers lack of a defensive PF.
Prediction: 76ers in 4 games.
----------------------------------------------
Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers
Season series: 2-0 (Detroit sweep)

Overview: After a nail-biting finish to the season and a 13-0 start to the season, the dust settled and the Pistons found themselves in prime position to make a run at the finals by acquiring the 2nd seed in a very strong eastern conference. Led by veteran big Robert Parish and jack-of-all trades Magic Johnson, Detroit looks to put away the Larry Bird-less Pacers early. Although they also suffered an injury to their star Magic Johnson, the depth and ability that the Pistons posses should make this a fairly easy match-up.
X-factor: The Pacers ability to match-up against one of the top defenses in the league in the Pistons without their leading scorer.
Prediction: Pacers rally early but fall short and lose to the Pistons in 5.
----------------------------------------------
Charlotte Hornets vs. Miami Heat
Season series: 3-0 (Charlotte sweep)

Overview: Participating in a blockbuster trade in which they sent some of their top players and draft picks to acquire the reigning MVP Hakeem Olajuwon, the Hornets finished the season strong, finishing 14-1. Though the Hornets are not up against a team to be taken lightly. After also pulling off a less noticeable but equally important trade, the Chris Mullin-lead Heat finished off the season on a strong note, going 14-6 but staying extremely competitive against other higher-seeded eastern conference teams. This contest will pit together to equally talented teams in what should be a thriller.
X-factor: The lack of Hornets depth vs. the Heats’ competitive nature and Chris Mullin’s ability to take over games for his team.
Prediction: Hornets in 6.
----------------------------------------------
Milwaukee Buck vs. Chicago Bulls
Season series: 2-1 (Bucks own series)

Overview: The Bucks limped into the playoffs and the 4th seed at 11-9 in their last 20 after losing leading big-man Mike Gminski for several games and struggling to keep up with lesser teams, losing to the lowly Los Angeles Clippers and Utah Jazz respectively in their last games. The Bulls however, rallying behind Moses Malone, who slowly sees his title window closing in front of him, is playing with renewed passion to try and lead his team to a playoff victory.
X-factor: With Gimnski back, can the Bucks make easy work of this squad with little talent behind Malone? Or will pure will to win power the Bulls past the Bucks in an upset?
Prediction: Bucks and Bulls take it to the last game, with the Bucks finally putting them away in 7.
----------------------------------------------

Stay tuned for my Western Conference playoff grades.

[Phenom]

Are you predicting that you beat the Pacers so bad that they don't return for 3rd game? lol

[eddy_zamora]

Are you predicting that you beat the Pacers so bad that they don't return for 3rd game? lol

good you got the message

[UOducksTK1]

Nice writeup, I think the East favorite sshould roll personally.

[Phenom]

Are you predicting that you beat the Pacers so bad that they don't return for 3rd game? lol

good you got the message

lol wait. Read it totally wrong.

[pudgejeff]

Are you predicting that you beat the Pacers so bad that they don't return for 3rd game? lol

good you got the message

lol wait. Read it totally wrong.

Lol, I was gonna say, I think the 2-0 is the season series and he predicted the playoff series to go to 5.

[lukeyrid13]

Really nice write up Eddy. I hope we see some more work like this from you

[303DucksFan]

First draft grades now this! Western Conf. is getting screwed. Nice job btw Eddy.

[lukeyrid13]

First draft grades now this! Western Conf. is getting screwed. Nice job btw Eddy.

Anyone can write these, you should do one.