First-round Snapshots: Eastern Conference

The kickoff of the NBA playoffs is cause for great enthusiasm and frenetic activity. Yes. But it's also only the beginning of a long, however eventful, slog through months of faces and stories. So I guess I'm saying, pace yourselves, fools! The first round alone could end up lasting two weeks. With that in mind, here are my decidedly sober, useful and economical previews of this weekend's games. First, the East:  

Chicago at Boston: So Garnett's out, but it's not like the Celtics are slop without him. And remember, the Bulls are living off a late-season trade and young players precariously putting it all together -- not exactly a cohesive powerhouse. Boston should roll, but keep an eye on Derrick Rose to see how he responds. Good superstar-in-training litmus test, breath-taking matchup with Rondo.

Detroit at Cleveland: If only things had gone differently, we might've seen a heavily symbolic and highly entertaining Iverson/LeBron duel. Boy, does that sound implausible now. Maybe the Pistons has something to prove, about themselves this season, and about LeBron's ability to trample them under the harsh glare of the playoff spotlight. Cleveland at home, though? Please. Expect the Cavs to coast a little, the Pistons to depress, and you not making too many real-time plans around this one.

Philadelphia at Orlando: Am I the only person who finds Dwight Howard moderately frustrating? He will likely be the Defensive Player of the Year, rebounds like an unemployed devil and is easily the most intimidating big man in the league. And yet I still want to see him push his team deep into the playoffs with an unbroken string of 20/20 masterpieces (like started with last year). Philly's small-ball is entertaining, but the Magic are for real. So let's see Dwight, and his team, make a "we're here, m-f" statement with this one. Plus, their arch-nemesis Detroit won't be there to haunt them.

Miami at Atlanta: Skeets said to me yesterday that he couldn't believe I believed the Heat had a chance. To clarify, I just think Dwyane Wade is playing out of his mind, and could easily kick his game up yet another notch and equalize that 4-5 disparity. I'd say this: Even if the buzz around the Heat is largely a matter of fantasy, the Hawks are now in the position of being a legit playoff team. It's up to them to show that they can play solid ball, stand their ground, and not come unraveled in the presence of greatness.

This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.