Eastern Conference Playoffs Round 1 - Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers

We have the Bulls playing the Pacers in Round 1.  The Bulls are the best team in the East and there are some that still don't give them a chance at winning it all.  Let's see if they can get out of the first round (a little humor there).

Chicago Bulls:

Of course this is Derrick Rose and friends.  The Bulls have found ways to win when you talk about their team defense, you can see why.  Other than Rose, you aren't going to find a 'Superstars', but there are good pieces in Deng, Noah, and Boozer.  The Bulls need a two guard or the government approval to clone Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver into the same body.  I'm not sure what else to say about this team other than the whole is better than the sum of the parts.  They have bought in on the coaching and they are in a position to win it all.

Indiana Pacers:

The Pacers are one of those teams with a losing record actually making the playoffs in the East.  The team hasn't really played that well until late and they have this meeting with the top seed in the East as their reward.  I will say this, the Pacers aren't going to get swept and I expect them to play the Bulls tough.  They have a speedy point guard in Collison (backup in Price), they have a decent big man patrolling the middle, Roy Hibbert, and enough scorers on the wing (George, Granger, etc.) to put points on the board.

X-factors:

Bulls - Omer Asik.  He's been playing very well all year long but hasn't gotten much pub outside of the Chicago area.  He's tall and can move, so that will help him.   

Pacers - James Posey.  Yes, you haven't heard much from him in the past years, but Posey can still come in and provide a veteran presence, some scoring and some defense in spots.  If the Pacers can keep it close, expect Posey on the floor when it all counts.  The other spark for the Pacers is going to be McRoberts or Hansbrough.  Yes, a former Dukie and a Tarheel will have a bearing on an NBA playoff matchup.

Prediction: The Bulls have to get out of the 1st round after hitting the 60 mark in wins, right?  The Bulls should take this one and move on to the next round.  Bulls 4-2.