NBA Playoff Preview: Eastern Conference Ranks

We did this with the NCAA Tournament, and it worked well so we're running it back with the NBA Playoffs for the first round. We look at every team plus some insight on whom might be a big star of the series.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (Actual Seed: 1) - Best case scenario for the Cleveland Cavaliers is they sweep and wait for the next opponent. This team needs the rest in what will be a competitive East which we haven't seen in quite some time. LeBron James is on an absolute tear to finish off the year. Detroit does defend the small forward well. Look for Tristan Thompson to have a big series.

2. Miami Heat (Actual Seed: 3) -  Miami returns to the playoffs, and this team is still good without Chris Bosh. Dwyane Wade is an ageless wonder and Hassan Whiteside is a matchup nightmare. Both players should have their way with Charlotte as they do not matchup well at either position. Josh Richardson will be a game-changer for this team.

3. Toronto Raptors (Actual Seed 2) - The exorcism is finally here for Toronto. They need a first win more than any other team in the playoffs. If the Raptors fall in Game 1 to Indiana, we're going to be wondering if the Raptors are going to do this again. I love DeMar DeRozan in a contract year for this series. Paul George versus DeMarre Carroll should be a treat.

4. Boston Celtics (Actual Seed 5) - I'm in love with the Celtics. I could have put them three but that would have been a biased take. Boston is a scrappy and gritty with a bunch of piss and vinegar to beat any team in this league. Are they a year away and a star player from making a deep run? Yup. Do I think they could still do it this year with Brad Stevens? It wouldn't shock me. Jae Crowder will be the difference in this series.

5. Atlanta Hawks (Actual Seed 4) - How good are the Hawks? I don't know if anyone can answer that question. This is one we had last year as well. Kent Bazemore's injury is a little concerning for this team, but they still have a ton of tools. Paul Millsap and Al Horford should have huge games inside versus the weak post defense from Boston. Curious to see how the guards handled the Celtics pressure.

6. Indiana Pacers (Actual Seed 7) - Pacers pull the shocker if George finds the playoff magic again. I don't see it happening, but Frank Vogel knows what he's doing in the postseason. Free Myles Turner though.

7. Detroit Pistons (Actual Seed 8) -  Do they have a shot at winning the series? Nope. Would I be surprised if it goes six? Nope. Pistons play great defense with a ton of different ways to hurt you on offense. Reggie Jackson might be the catalyst in this one given Kyrie Irving's weak defense.

8. Charlotte Hornets (Actual Seed 6) - I do have some interest in Kemba Walker in the playoffs because we all know what's happened before in college. But that's where it ends. I don't see much for the Hornets.

Predictions:  Cavs in six, Celtics in seven, Heat in four and Raptors in seven

Charlie.