Hey LeBron, Clear Your Schedule; it's Playoff Time in the NBA

After taking the last two games of the season off on holiday it’s time for LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to shine in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

Chalk up the first round
Even a bumbling Rasheed Wallace can’t stop the inevitable, the top four seeds will progress from the Conference Quarter Finals in the East. Boston is the coldest team entering the post-season and the Celtics face a Miami team that has won 9 of its last 10 games. While the Heat charged down the stretch the depth of quality available to Boston, particularly as Wallace has a knack for upping his game once the playoffs start. The other three ties won’t even be close, Cleveland and Orlando will likely sweep the Bull and Bobcats, while Milwaukee will pay for the absence of Andrew Bogut and go down to Atlanta in four or five games.

Cavs are not invincible but still the best
Let’s just get this out of the way, Cleveland has the best team in the NBA. That said being the best team does not equate to winning. After an easy opening round I expect the Cavs to find the rest of their schedule in the East to be nothing short of brutal. Boston will force at least six games and will probably win one in Cleveland but a well-rested LBJ will find a way to win and progress. The other semi-final match-up features a team that has consistently improved year-on-year in Atlanta against an Orlando team which has established itself as a power in the conference. Whichever team wins will give the Cavaliers all they can handle and this is going to be a tight call in NBA betting but I like Dwight Howard and the Magic to make home advantage count and set up a clash with Cleveland.

Superman, prepare to bow before your King
The new Jordan and Ewing rivalry is upon us, that is to say a rivalry where a big man with a big name is going to come up short against the best player of the era. Dwight Howard may have made it to the NBA Finals in 2009 and his Orlando Magic should come close again this season but 2010 is going to see the coronation of King James as NBA Champion. The Cavaliers have managed their roster beautifully in 2010 to set them up for a tough playoff schedule. While much rests on LBJ’s shoulders he won’t be the only scoring threat. Of course the main reason for this is because LeBron creates so many opportunites notching up 8.4 assists per game this season, a NBA record for a forward. Orlando will keep it close early but Cleveland’s class will show through and the Cavs will win in six or seven.

For the best NBA odds as the playoffs get under way check out Sports Interaction’s online sports book.