Sir Charles in Charge
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2018 NBA Playoffs Roundtable: Embiid vs. Whiteside; Raptors vs. history

By Michael Saenz

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 06: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a play against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on March 6, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 06: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a play against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on March 6, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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The East champion will be?

Flynn: My answer here will not be popular. The Miami Heat will win the Eastern Conference Finals. I believe they are the dark-horse of the playoffs this year, along with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the West. Miami has a set of 10 players that can start for most teams in the NBA and have a plethora of guys who can blow up for 25+ on any given night.

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They also have extremely versatile wings, whether it’s Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow, James Johnson, even Dwyane Wade (who is somehow athletic again). Expect Goran Dragic and Kelly Olynk to continue their ability to be the craftiest players in the NBA, and for Bam Adebayo and/or Hassan Whiteside to disrupt bigs throughout the East.

Patel: LeBron James and the Cavs. The man is a one man wrecking crew has won 21 straight first round games and is 48-7 vs. the East during his year run of finals appearances. At age 33, leading the league in minutes, he averaged 27.2 ppg, 9 assists, 9 rebounds, shot 55% from the field and 37% from 3, and yet we all know playoff LeBron will reach another level.

The most intriguing matchup would be an ECF vs. the 76ers. I do expect that potential series to go 6 or so games, but ultimately inexperience and youth will cost them. With sharp shooters, athletic infusions from the trade deadline, and Kevin Love ascending, LeBron will reach his 8th straight finals and give him and his team a punchers shot against the West champion.

Osborne: Until someone beats LeBron I can not pick against him. Cavaliers come out of the East. The Cavaliers will be challenged this postseason unlike the last few years but I don’t see Toronto or Philadelphia winning 4 out of 7, not with the way James is playing right now.

Early: Not going to get cute. I’m taking LeBron in a sleeper vs. Indy, followed by a nail-biter vs. Toronto, and then a really fun series vs. Embiid in the executioner mask. LeBron is still still the greatest and he’s done more with less before and there are no super teams in the east yet to stop him. Maybe Danny Ainge can make one soon.

Must Read: 2018 NBA Playoffs: First-round schedule, initial thoughts on each series

McFee: The Philadelphia 76ers. While the Sixers could have peaked too soon with this 16 game-winning streak entering the postseason, if Embiid is able to play with a mask/through this injury, they won’t steamroll the East, but will win it all. I think they’re that good, and much to the chagrin of Toronto fans (and myself), will emerge as the Eastern Conference champions.