The one and two seed in the East got a lot more important today

[greenpride32]

Suppose we land the 3 seed, we'll likely face NYK.  We'll come out on top but that's going to be a brutal 1st round matchup.  But then you figure you have MIA or CHI in round 2 on the road, and then either MIA or CHI on the road again in the ECF.  And possibly SAS on the road in the finals.  That's quite a challenge.

At #1 you've got a junk team in round 1, likely ORL or ATL in round 2, and whoever is left standing of MIA CHI NYK. 

[Kwhit10]

With how close our games always are with philly, I would not want to see then in the first round.  I know we'd win but the games with them are always close and I don't want a first round like in 08.

[pearljammer10]

Suppose we land the 3 seed, we'll likely face NYK.  We'll come out on top but that's going to be a brutal 1st round matchup.  But then you figure you have MIA or CHI in round 2 on the road, and then either MIA or CHI on the road again in the ECF.  And possibly SAS on the road in the finals.  That's quite a challenge.

At #1 you've got a junk team in round 1, likely ORL or ATL in round 2, and whoever is left standing of MIA CHI NYK. 

Orlando and the Knicks might be on the same level now... I might still give the edge to Orlando, we'll have to see how things play out chemistry wise.

[CelticG1]

I'm going to wait and see NY play a game first before I consider them such a tough out.

D'Antoni might be the worst coach in the league and NY completely gutted their team. They will be pretty good long term but as of right now they have a lot to prove to me than just the names Melo, and Amare

[LooseCannon]

I'm going to wait and see NY play a game first before I consider them such a tough out.

I don't think they're tough in terms of being dangerous, but does anyone really want to see the Celtics potentially play six games at the Knicks' pace in the first round?

[thirstyboots18]

Kevin McHale predicted on NBAtv last night that Chicago will overtake Miami and Celtics to achieve first place and home court advantage in the playoffs this year.  He raved about their team and how much better the will be when Noah returns.

[JSD]

NY isn't come out of the 1st round anyway. In my opinion, the 1st seed is important to avoid Chicago.