As of Thursday all four series in the first round of the 2010 NBA Eastern Conference playoffs have two games under their belt heading into tonight’s action. So far it has been a one way affair as each favorite has won their first two games meaning it is do or die time for the lower seeds as they look to avoid falling behind by an almost insurmountable three games. Here is a review of each series along with each team’s updated odds to win the Conference.
#1 Cleveland Cavaliers (4-9) vs. #8 Chicago Bulls (150-1)
Despite resting LeBron James and a few of their other starters in the final four games of the regular season, the Cavaliers have showed absolutely no signs of rust in the first two games of this series. They won game one by 13 points; 96-83 and game two by 10 points; 112-102. James has averaged 32 points, seven rebounds and 6 ½ assists but has also received support from Antawn Jamison, Mo Williams and Shaquille O’Neil for a total team effort. Give credit to Chicago for hanging tough, especially in game two, but they are seriously outmanned against this team.
#2 Orlando Magic (3-1) vs. Charlotte Bobcats (80-1)
Orlando came into this series on a roll after winning 11 of their last 12 regular season games. In game one, Charlotte was able to hold Dwight Howard to just five points but they could not stop Jameer Nelson from lighting them up for 32 points in the Magic’s 98-89 win. In game two, all five starters scored in double figures as Orlando beat the Bobcats 92-77 with an extremely balanced attack. Gerald Wallace and Stephen Jackson have done all they could to keep Charlotte in these games, but much like the Bulls they are just too outmanned to hang with this team.
#3 Atlanta Hawks (12-1) vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks (100-1)
Atlanta has turned in two book end 10 point wins so far; 102-92 in game one and 96-86 in game two. In the first clash, six Hawks scored in double figures with Joe Johnson leading the way with 22. In Tuesday night’s win, Johnson along with Josh Smith and Al Horford each scored over 20 points to lead the way. Give credit to Atlanta’s defense for holding Bucks’ G Brandon Jennings to just nine points in this game after he led all scorers in game one with 34. A win on Saturday in game three could put Milwaukee back in business, but so far it has been all Atlanta in this one.
#4 Boston Celtics (7-1) vs. #5 Miami Heat (50-1)
While Boston had been one of the more inconsistent teams in the regular season, so far they are playing like a well oiled machine in this first round series. After slugging it out with Miami in game one to grab an 85-76 win, they completely blew the Heat’s doors off in game two with a 106-77 victory. Some familiar faces like Ray Allen and Paul Pierce along with guys like Glen Davis have been getting it done for the Celtics so far. With Kevin Garnett back for game 3, after serving a one game suspension for throwing an elbow at the end of the series opener, things might get even rougher for the Heat. Miami’s Dwyane Wade, who scored 54 points in the first two games, will need some more support from the rest of the team if the Heat has any plans of crawling out of their 0-2 hole.
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