NBA Special Report- 2011 Eastern Conference playoff seedings
The strong free agency winds finally seem to be slowing down. Some of the teams were able to bring gold home like the Miami and Chicago Bulls, some had the basis destroyed of a team like those of Cleveland and Toronto and some just continued their journey on the road for a competitive season by a few good additions like Boston Celtics.
With the free agency now less active, it leaves behind many questions that need answers. Can the Boston Celtics still contend? Can the Miami Heat live up to the expectations and the off season hype? Can the Chicago Bulls break through finally? With these come the predictions about which team is placed where? Here we will be discussing the fact as to where the eastern conference teams are placed for the 2011 playoffs.
The Chicago Bulls come in at the fifth spot with an amazing signing this summer. They were able to get hold of the All-Star power forward Carlos Boozer for a period of five years. Not only this, they have also been able to add other missing pieces in the form of Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver. Korver is expected to play good alongside the veteran Kurt Thomas. However, one of the most underrated moves for the Bulls was when they signed the Boston’s somewhat successful coach, Tom Thibodeau. The projected score for the Bulls is 51-31.
Milwaukee Bucks come in next due to their extravagant performances. Last season saw them come out of nowhere and reach the playoff contention while this season they have been placed in the fourth spot. With players like Andrew Bogut, who has recovered from injuries, the Bucks will be looking to end this season on a high note just like before. According to experts, the Bucks came up with good off season moves like trading Corey Maggette. They are also thought to be one of the biggest teams in the East and will be looking to put up a competitive show this season. Experts say that they will without a doubt make it into the playoff and maintain a record of 52-29.
The third spot is occupied by last year’s runners up Boston Celtics. The Celtics have come up with the signings of Shaquille O’Neal and Jermaine O’Neal that add some big men to their roster. With O’Neal’s and players like Kevin Garnett, they make up a powerhouse team in the NBA. The Celtics are one of the most intense teams and are the frontcourts in NBA. The only thing that hinders their way is the injury prone season that they have. Everyone hopes that they have an injury free season and if they manage to do it then their projected score is 56-26.
One of the league’s best defensive teams, Orlando Magic come in next after winning 59 games in the last two seasons. They would surely miss the mental toughness of Matt Barnes but have still brought in players who are better and improved in the three pointer department. Experts say that they would face tough competition this year and would have a projected record of 61-21.
The Miami Heat with their talented squad are at the top spot. They have come up with the amazing signings of LeBron James and Chris Bosh that has put them among some of the best teams. Experts are of the view that they would come up with a record of 64-18.
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