On the Eastern Conference side of the NBA Playoff bracket, the two-time defending champs Miami Heat will start their quest for a "three-peat" against the Charlotte Bobcats. The Bobcats are finally back in the playoffs after being the laughingstock of the league for quite some time. The Heat didn't struggle against the Bobcats in the regular season, winning all four games by an average margin of 10.75 points.
Players to Watch: For Charlotte, Al Jefferson will be leading the team. In three regular season meeting (Jefferson didn't play the first game against Miami) he averaged 25 points and 15 rebounds on 57% shooting. Miami will, as usual, be led by four-time league MVP LeBron James, who averaged 38 points on 63% shooting against Charlotte in the regular season, including his career-high 61 point game on March 3rd.
Prediction: Miami will win this series with ease, it shouldn't take more than five games. The Bobcats may be able to win a game, but that will depend on Jefferson, He will need to play the best he ever has if the Bobcats want to win a game or two, let alone the whole series. The Heat's quest for a third consecutive championship will not end in the first round.