2014-2015 NBA Playoffs Predictions (Beasts in the East Edition)

In light of the start of the highly anticipated NBA season, I have decided to create a beginning season predictions for which teams in both the West and East make it into the playoffs, and also which ones should start getting ready for next season.

East

1. Cleveland Cavaliers - With their blockbuster moves in the off-season (LeBron James, Kevin Love, Mike Miller, and Shawn Marion) it is hard to not see this team grabbing the number 1 spot in a rather weak Eastern Conference, even with a coach with zero NBA head-coaching experience.

   

   Watch out NBA, this Cleveland big three
    is bigger and better than the one in Miami
   (Getty Images)

2. Chicago Bulls - Barring another Derrick Rose knee injury, this Chicago team has all the tools ready to make a serious run for some hardware. Adding Pau Gasol to the mix gives Joakim Noah more room to unleash his energetic, intimidating defense.With four players averaging over 10.0 ppg (Rose, Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson, Gasol), and a solid 3-point shooter on the bench in Doug McDermott (8.25 ppg) I see this team easily sliding into the playoffs with home court advantage in the first round.
3. Miami Heat - No doubt, the loss of LeBron James would put a sour taste in any teams mouth, but Pat Riley worked his magic and made the best of a terrible situation. Adding Danny Granger and Luol Deng were crucial moves to continue making Miami a continuing threat in the playoffs. The rookies are playing incredibly well. Shabazz Napier (10.25 ppg, 2.75 apg) could quite possibly nab the starting Point Guard position if he continues to develop. Tyler Johnson (17.0 ppg, 2.0 apg) will definitely start getting more playing time as well, especially with an aging Dwyane Wade who averaged only 13.86 ppg this preseason.
4. Charolotte Hornets - New look. Old name. Hopefully the same old school playing. Al Jefferson continues to be impressive. last year, he averaged 21.84 ppg and 10.85 rpg and I expect that to continue to stay the same. After last nights impressive comeback overtime win over the Milwaukee Bucks, I am expecting a breakout year from Kemba Walker that mirrors

   

   They may have a new look, but the hornets must also
   play with a new attitude.
   (Photo: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports)

   that of Damian Lillard last year. Walker put up some impressive numbers in the preseason (13.33 ppg, 5.50 apg) and I expect his scoring average to increase from the 17.66 he had a year ago. Another player to watch for is Lance Stephenson. If he can keep is oddities to a minimum, this Hornets team can really surprise people, and with the owner being Michael Jordan, I don't see Stephenson being a problem, only a solution.
5. New York Knicks - Phil Jackson+new coach Derek Fisher+Carmelo Anthony+Amare Stoudemire should equal a pretty nice formula, especially if this triangle offense that Fisher is wanting to incorporate pulls off. Anthony will do his usual scoring wizardry (18.57 ppg this preseason), and if Amare stays healthy and gets back to his playing level when he was in Phoenix, this team has a chance to surprise some people. Another player to look out for is Tim Hardaway Jr. who averaged 10.7 ppg last season. If he continues to progress, he could definitely carry a load of the scoring burden off Anthony's back. I expect the Knicks to sneak into the playoffs at no higher than the #5 spot.
6. Indiana Pacers - As long as Roy Hibbert plays the post like Kevin Hart in the Celebrity All Star game, this team will be average, at best. Rumors are that he is being shopped around, but few teams would/should be interested in a mediocre 7-2 center that averaged a mere 10.17 ppg this preseason. With Paul George also out for the season, someone needs to step up to put some blue collar in this "gold swagger".
7. Toronto Raptors - Being able to sway Kyle Lowery from joining the Miami Heat may have saved this team from reserving a table for next years draft lottery. Nobody on this team could put up the stats that Lowery did last season (17.94 ppg, 7.42 apg), and it shows. only four players averaged double digits in the scoring column in the preseason, and the leading scorer was DeMar DeRozen who averaged only 14.57 ppg. The next player was Lou Williams with 12.86 ppg. I see Toronto trying to grab a big man to help with the front court and drawing less attention from their young, but promising back court.
8. Brooklyn Nets - Squeaking into the final spot, I have the Brooklyn Nets. Paul Pierce may be gone, but as a bit of a shock, Mirza Teletovic is more than filling that void left by Pierce. Teletovic averaged 12.00 ppg and 7.33 rpg. In Wednesday's loss to the Celtics, he raked in 20 pts and 6 boards with a couple blocks to go alon
   g with it. Mason Plumlee is doing just as well, leading the team in rebounds this preseason (7.67 rpg). The talent is there with a healthy and determined Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, and a freak in Kevin Garnett (even at his age), but something isn't clicking. Talent can only get you so far. Isn't that right Heat fans?

The team that I am predicting to have a table on the draft lottery night would be the Philadelphia 76ers. Nerlens Noel was an absolute monster on the boards during the preseason averaging 8.50 rpg, and Tony Wroten is doing a solid job at point, but Philly shouldn't tag him as a franchise player any time soon. This team is very, very young, and with that comes inexperience. I give Philly one more down year and a top-tier draft pick and this new look 76ers team will be demanding your attention.

The 76ers are one solid draft pick away from getting out of this
unusual streak of misfortune.
(USA Today)

Come back tomorrow when I predict the playoff tree in the West. In the mean time, enjoy this video that the NBA and Kendrick Lamar made to get you excited for this season! Happy ballin'!!!