2013 NBA Playoff Predictions: Eastern Conference Power Rankings

2013 NBA Playoff Predictions: Eastern Conference Power Rankings: While the playoff seeding already ranks teams to a degree, the seeding is no necessarily a reflection of each team’s chances of succeeding in the postseason. This is especially true in the Eastern Conference where multiple teams have gone in very different directions late in the year. Yes, the defending champion Miami Heat are the clear No. 1 team in the conference, but there are a few other teams in the East that are much more dangerous than their seeding may suggest. With that in mind, here is a look at how the Eastern Conference playoff teams stack up heading into the 2013 NBA postseason.

1.      Miami Heat (5/8): The gap between the Heat and everyone else is sizeable, and in addition to the NBA’s best record, Miami also boasts a top-five scoring offense and defense. Shockingly, LeBron James seems to be getting better, Dwyane Wade has had plenty of time to rest heading into the playoffs. Throw in the array of 3-point shooters the Heat have and the surprisingly effective play of big man Chris Andersen, and this year’s team actually has more firepower and fewer weaknesses than last year’s championship-winning group.

2.      New York Knicks (16/1): There have been some ups and downs for New York this year, but when Carmelo Anthony and Raymond Felton have been healthy, the Knicks have been stout. Granted, they can depend on the 3-point shot a bit much at times, but they did lead the NBA in 3-pointers per game this year. More importantly, Anthony is playing at an elite level heading into the playoffs, and he gives the Knicks an elite, go-to scorer that few teams have. Other than the defending champs, New York’s biggest obstacle is the pressure that has been building from a rash of first-round playoff exits in recent years.

3.      Brooklyn Nets (60/1): A coaching change jumpstarted Brooklyn’s season, and when you look at the Nets’ roster, there is a lot to love. After all, what team in the East can match the backcourt of Deron Williams and Joe Johnson, and what team has a better scoring option in the post than Brook Lopez? Brooklyn also has solid depth thanks to role players like Reggie Evans and Andray Blatche. The Nets have been playing consistent basketball for a while, and they even ranked second in the conference in road wins. With an X-factor like Williams running the point, Brooklyn has the potential to be a dangerous team.

4.      Indiana Pacers (25/1): Indiana has been winning games on the strength of its excellent defense all season, and with a true center protecting the rim in Roy Hibbert and a lengthy, athletic perimeter defender in Paul George, the Pacers have the pieces to match up with almost any offense. On the flip side, Indiana doesn’t have a great point guard, and the team’s depth in general is shaky. At their best, the Pacers have a championship-caliber defense. However, a streaky offense that lacks really lacks a player that create their own shot at will is going to put a lot of pressure on Indiana’s defense.

5.      Boston Celtics (66/1): Yes, the Celtics have an older roster. Yes, Rajon Rondo is out. That being said, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry are three of the grittiest, battle-tested veterans around, and Boston plays playoff-style basketball as well as any team in the game. The Celtics know how to score and defend in half-court sets, and they know how to execute on both ends in crunch time. They are probably the mentally toughest team in the playoffs, as well. Boston may not have the most firepower or best athletes, but they managed to push the Heat to seven games last year and are going to be a tough out once again.

6.      Chicago Bulls (60/1): Believe it or not, a Bulls’ fan is actually suing Derrick Rose because they are claiming his prolonged recovery from knee surgery has caused weight gain and depression. As frivolous as the lawsuit is, Chicago’s recent play has been a bit depressing, and it has nothing to do with Rose. Center Joakim Noah has been out and is expected to start the playoffs on the sidelines, leaving the defensive-oriented Bulls without their most important defender. With Noah, Chicago can cover up its weak backcourt by controlling the boards and keeping opponents out of the paint. Without him, they are simply undermanned.

7.      Atlanta Hawks (150/1): The Hawks have been the same team for years, and this season is no exception. Atlanta made the playoffs thanks to steady, solid play from players like Al Horford, Josh Smith and Jeff Teague. Unfortunately, the Hawks once again have a solid but unspectacular roster that is built for making the playoffs but not really for winning in the playoffs. They simply don’t have a true difference maker, and in a best-of-seven series, the Hawks never seem to be able to make enough plays.

8.      Milwaukee Bucks (500/1): With Brandon Jennings, Monta Ellis and J.J. Reddick, Milwaukee actually has some firepower on the offensive end. They also have an elite shot blocker in the paint in Larry Sanders. Unfortunately, Jennings and Sanders are both less than 100 percent, and the Bucks are streaky to the extreme in terms of perimeter shooting. Not to mention the fact that they face the Miami Heat in the first round.

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