Eastern Conference First Round Picks

It's much easier to project series after they've started. As such, DBSF offers his qualified prognostications:

Bulls-Pacers: Bulls in 5 (would've been in 4 if projected before the series started). There exists a direct relationship between Derrick Rose and a team's success. That relationship is muted when you replace "Derrick Rose" with "AJ Price" in the equation.

Hawks-Magic: Magic in 7, DBSF guesses. Does it matter? Whoever wins this series serves only to entertain Bull's fans over 5 games some time next week.

Celtics-Knicks: Celtics in 6. This could also be Celtics in 7, Knicks in 6, or Knicks in 7. When certain recently-acquired Knick's superstar(s?) choose to provide effort on both sides of the court the team becomes slightly more challenging. Unrelatedly, that Shaq deal probably isn't proving as fruitful as the Celtic's would've liked.

Heat-Sixers: Heat in 4. Somebody had to lose in 4 to the Heat in the first round. Doug Collins' career 39.5% playoff record, unfortunately, makes his team the ideal candidate.