Unlike the Western Conference, which has known which teams were playoff bound for awhile now, the eight spots in the Eastern Conference have been another story altogether with the eighth and final spot in the conference getting clinched on the last day of the NBA regular season.

Now that it is official that the Chicago Bulls are playoff bound, the Eastern Conference matchups have become set in stone and we can start talking first round matchups and the chances for teams moving forward.

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #8 Chicago Bulls

Whenever an eighth seed takes on a number one seed it is usually a sweep scenario with the team in the eighth spot have little or absolutely no chance of competing with the top dog in the conference. In this scenario, even though the Bulls have played brilliantly to finish out the season, I see Chicago being no match for LeBron James and company.

Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0

#2 Orlando Magic vs. #7 Charlotte Bobcats

Despite this matchup having some upset potential, Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic should make quick work of the Charlotte Bobcats as they see what it is like to play in the postseason for the first time in franchise history.

The Bobcats will be tough on their home court, but the Magic just have too many weapons on both sides of the floor.

Prediction: Orlando Magic 4-1

#3 Atlanta Hawks vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks

This is the most intriguing matchup in the Eastern Conference in my opinion as I believe these teams are pretty evenly matched. The Atlanta Hawks definitely have more playoff experience and are probably the more talented team all around, but I see huge upset potential here and possibly a series going the distance.

Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks 4-3

#4 Boston Celtics vs. #5 Miami Heat

Along with the previous matchup, I believe this one between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat has the potential to be just as entertaining!

Ultimately, I see the Boston Celtics advancing here as they are the dominant team on the defensive side of the basketball and as experienced as any team in the NBA playoffs this season, but if Dwyane Wade takes it to another level this series could come down to the wire as well.

Prediction: Boston Celtics 4-2

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