2011 NBA Playoff first-Round Predictions (odds) part 3

2011-nba-playoff-first-round odds part 3

The 2011 NBA playoffs have several teams in both conferences that feel like this is their year. The Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat and Orlando Magic are all confident of winning the Eastern Conference, while the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder are set to make deep runs in the West.The playoffs have many intriguing story lines, more so than any year in a long time.

Mario Chalmers Will Be a Big Factor for the Miami Heat (Miami beat 76er in 6)

Miami Heat point guard Mario Chalmers has played well all season, even hitting several big shots during the season against top opponents. Chalmers must play well for Miami to be successful in the playoffs because point guard is a position they don't have the advantage in over just about every playoff team.Chalmers can shoot well from the outside and isn't afraid to take big shots. Against the Philadelphia 76ers who have several talented young guards, Chalmers will need to step up defensively as well.

Atlanta Hawks finally overcome the Orlando Magic (Atlanta Hawks in 6 games)

When the Atlanta Hawks finally overcome the Orlando Magic in the playoffs this year, Dwight Howard will realize he cannot win the NBA Finals with Orlando.So he will request a trade before he becomes a free agent after the 2012 season, this way, Orlando can try to get some value in return for him.He has done everything he could for Orlando, but it appears they just don't have pieces around Howard to win a championship.

Chicago Bulls will beat Indiana (in 5 games)

Even with all the offensive talent the Chicago Bulls have, they will win their opening series against Indiana with defense.Since arriving from Boston; Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau has used his defensive wisdom to make the Bulls one of the NBA's best defensive teams.