Bware's First Round Preview and Predictions: Eastern Conference

Atlanta Hawks (1) versus Brooklyn Nets (8)
 
Summary
Imagine watching the Seattle Seahawks destroy the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl over and over again. That's what will likely happen in this series.
 
Key Pieces
Atlanta--Teague, Millsap, Horford, Budenholzer
Brooklyn--Lopez, Johnson
 
X-Factors
Atlanta--Carroll, Schroder
Brooklyn--Jack?
 
Maximum Win Totals:
Atlanta-4
Brooklyn-0
 
Minimum Win Totals
Atlanta--4
Brooklyn--(-3)
 
Prediction
Atlanta is far too good for the laughably mediocre Nets. This series is all but over from the first tip, and expect the Hawks to run away with every game. 4-0, Hawks
 
 
Cleveland Cavaliers (2) versus Boston Celtics (7)
 
Summary
The Celtics are an incredible feel good story of a team with no real superstars or even household names--an odd mix of gritty players coached by the best young coach in the league in Brad Stevens. Nevertheless, their first round opponent is LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston simply has no chance at winning this series without clear go-to players when baskets are needed.
 
Key Pieces
Cleveland--James, Love, Irving
Boston--Bradley, Bass, Thomas, Stevens
 
X-Factors
Cleveland--Mozgov, the underrated Blatt
Boston--Smart
 
Maximum Win Totals
Cleveland--4
Boston--1
 
Minimum Win Totals
Cleveland--4
Boston--0
 
Prediction
The Cavaliers prove to be far too much, despite a valiant effort and excellent coaching by Stevens. Expect surprisingly close games in games 2 and 3, but otherwise the Cavs will run away with this series. 4-0, Cavaliers.
 
 
Chicago Bulls (3) versus Milwaukee Bucks (6)
 
Summary
The Chicago Bulls were a mystery coming into the 2014-15 season. How good will Derrick Rose be? Will he stay healthy? Does Pau have anything left in the tank? How about Jimmy Butler's progression? Even with Rose's injuries, I'd say that all 3 question areas eventually proved to be pleasant surprises. You factor in the rise of Mirotic and surprisingly good play from veterans like Aaron Brooks, and the Bulls are scary. On the other side of this first round coin are the gritty and unique Milwaukee Bucks, a strange mix of talents that Jason Kidd has somehow thrown in the blender and produced a wonderful product for Bucks and NBA fans to watch.
 
Key Pieces
Chicago--Noah, Pau, Butler
Milwaukee--Giannis, Middleton, Kidd
 
X-Factors
Chicago--Rose
Milwaukee--MCW, Henson
 
Maximum Win Totals
Chicago--4
Milwaukee-4
 
Minimum Win Totals
Chicago--2
Milwaukee--2
 
Prediction
I expect a great series from the opening tip. Both teams are coached well and play very well together. The Bucks have the length to play great defense against the Bulls and you never know what a freak like Giannis might do in a playoff series. For some reason, I'm feeling the upset in this series. 4-2, Bucks.
 
 
Toronto Raptors (4) versus Washington Wizards (5)
 
Summary
This series exemplifies the truth of potential versus product, and neither of these teams even approached their full potential in the regular season. The Wizards went on a mind-boggling run of losses about midseason, and the Raptors were such a Jekyl and Hide outfit that I'm surprised they have home court advantage even in the first round in the playoffs. A toss-up series if there ever was one.
 
Key Pieces
Toronto--Lowry, DeRozan, Casey (not a great coach, but much better than Wittman)
Washington--Wall, Beal, Gortat
 
X-Factors
Toronto--Williams, Valencunas
Washington--Pierce, Nene
 
Maximum Win Totals
Toronto--4
Washington--4
 
Minimum Win Totals
Toronto--2
Washington--1
 
Prediction
This series will tilt back and forth like a seesaw, swinging momentum drastically, and seemingly in final fashion, only to prove itself wrong and watch the other team flail itself back into the picture. The only way this series gets lopsided is if Valencunas plays very very well. I'm expecting a 6-7 gamer. 4-3, Raptors.

I know it doesn't fit my usual pessimistic behavior, but I don't see any way the Bucks win that series.  The Bulls have dominated Milwaukee for years now, and if it wasn't for a 4th quarter shit show a few games back, they would still be riding a double digit win streak over them on the road.  Their defensive efficiency is impressive, but their struggles on offense are going to be what do them in.  If Rose can prevent himself from entering full-on chuck mode and feed Pau in the post, this series should go smoothly.  I see the Bucks winning a game or two though, because that's what the Bulls do.
 
The Bulls won't play a true road game all series. 

I have the Bucks winning game one then dropping the next 4. But yea, I don't give them much of a shot either

im with jake and dan. i give the bucks a game. if it makes sense, i wouldn't be surprised at all if they did win more than two games, though.