So…do the Raptors, Bulls, and Nets have a chance in the East?

LeBron is enough to win the East on his own. I also think Wade will show up when they need him. I have been doubting him for years now. There is no reason to believe he won’t show up big in the end, until he doesn’t. This could be the year, but….. Despite their recent play I don’t think they are worried, nor should they be. San Antonio or OKC might be a different story but the East is set. Bulls have the best chance but can you really see that happening? The Bulls have dominated the Heat in the regular season the past few years but the playoffs are an entirely different monster. Best player on the planet in his prime vs DJ Augustine in the 4th quarter? 

Indiana should be worried. They can’t score. Defensive effort isn’t the same. The Granger trade was a mistake as he was a huge locker room favorite and the fact that Evan Turner is bad at basketball. I heard there have been problems in the locker room and others thinking a few or maybe just one player is selfish. PG has had issues on and off the court this year. Lance is Lance. Not sure what or who is the problem but it is rough to watch the last month or so. Lastly, I know bigs get big money but Hibbert is defenitely not worth that contract. Everyone had Indiana pegged as the next team. It will all depend on Paul George and his progression. 

LeBron is enough to win the East on his own. I also think Wade will show up when they need him. I have been doubting him for years now. There is no reason to believe he won’t show up big in the end, until he doesn’t. This could be the year, but….. Despite their recent play I don’t think they are worried, nor should they be. San Antonio or OKC might be a different story but the East is set. Bulls have the best chance but can you really see that happening? The Bulls have dominated the Heat in the regular season the past few years but the playoffs are an entirely different monster. Best player on the planet in his prime vs DJ Augustine in the 4th quarter? 

Indiana should be worried. They can’t score. Defensive effort isn’t the same. The Granger trade was a mistake as he was a huge locker room favorite and the fact that Evan Turner is bad at basketball. I heard there have been problems in the locker room and others thinking a few or maybe just one player is selfish. PG has had issues on and off the court this year. Lance is Lance. Not sure what or who is the problem but it is rough to watch the last month or so. Lastly, I know bigs get big money but Hibbert is defenitely not worth that contract. Everyone had Indiana pegged as the next team. It will all depend on Paul George and his progression. 

Not against Miami unless injuries play a role.

Not against Miami unless injuries play a role.

I wonder if the pacers keep sitting their starters, it would be wise to keep the second seed, not to avoid the bulls or the nets in the second round, but to actually make miami face one of them altough at this point, im not sure they should be focusing at the eastern conference finals against miami.

I wonder if the pacers keep sitting their starters, it would be wise to keep the second seed, not to avoid the bulls or the nets in the second round, but to actually make miami face one of them altough at this point, im not sure they should be focusing at the eastern conference finals against miami.

 No. Bulls maybe, semi-finals or thereabouts

 No. Bulls maybe, semi-finals or thereabouts

I still think its the Heat’s to lose. Out of the 3 teams you mentioned I would say the Nets.

I still think its the Heat’s to lose. Out of the 3 teams you mentioned I would say the Nets.

 The Nets have the best record in the East since January 1st, and they swept the season series with the Heat.  They definitely have a chance to make it out of the East.  Especially with the Pacers in disarray.  I don’t see the Bulls or the Raptors having any chance, and I’m a Bulls fan….

 The Nets have the best record in the East since January 1st, and they swept the season series with the Heat.  They definitely have a chance to make it out of the East.  Especially with the Pacers in disarray.  I don’t see the Bulls or the Raptors having any chance, and I’m a Bulls fan….

Conventional wisdom all year has been that the whole season and first two rounds were just foreplay until the Heat v. Pacers eastern conference finals.  If you made me place money on it I’m still going with that.  But I’d no longer be shocked if the Nets made a run to the conference finals or if Joakim Noah dragged his team past either the Pacers or Heat (depending on match ups).  I can’t see the Raptors making noise, though.  Not enough playoff experience.

Conventional wisdom all year has been that the whole season and first two rounds were just foreplay until the Heat v. Pacers eastern conference finals.  If you made me place money on it I’m still going with that.  But I’d no longer be shocked if the Nets made a run to the conference finals or if Joakim Noah dragged his team past either the Pacers or Heat (depending on match ups).  I can’t see the Raptors making noise, though.  Not enough playoff experience.

I just would not bet against a seemingly healthy (with the obvious exception of D. Rose) team coached by Thibs.  You have to think nobody in the East wants to see a Bull or Net pairing in the early rounds.  I wrote the Nets off earlier in the season so have to give at least a little credit to Jason Kidd.

I just would not bet against a seemingly healthy (with the obvious exception of D. Rose) team coached by Thibs.  You have to think nobody in the East wants to see a Bull or Net pairing in the early rounds.  I wrote the Nets off earlier in the season so have to give at least a little credit to Jason Kidd.