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Cavs' near future looks bright

With the playoffs less than a month away, let's predict the Eastern Conference first round based on the standings through March 21: No. 1 Cleveland vs. No. 8
Chris Mannix|

With the playoffs less than a month away, let's predict the Eastern Conference first round based on the standings through March 21:

No. 1 Cleveland vs. No. 8 Toronto: A surprisingly tough series for the Cavs, who lost once to the Raps and needed overtime to beat them a second time. Containing Hedo Turkoglu and Andrea Bargnani on the perimeter has been a challenge, but Cleveland takes them in five.

No. 2 Orlando vs. No. 7 Charlotte: The Magic have taken three of four from the Bobcats. Charlotte isn't overwhelmed by Dwight Howard (16.5 points per game against the Bobcats); it's Vince Carter (23- and 21-point performances in the last two meetings) who has more of a threat. Magic in six.

No. 3 Boston vs. No. 6 Miami: The C's have swept three from the Heat but no win has been by more than seven points. Rajon Rondo (20.0 points, 11.0 assists in the three matchups) feasts on the flotsam Miami trots out at point guard. Boston in six.

No. 4 Atlanta vs. No. 5 Milwaukee: Only one matchup so far (an OT win by Atlanta) but two to go, including Monday night in Milwaukee. The Hawks have had trouble with explosive, scoring guards, and Milwaukee has two in Brandon Jennings and John Salmons. But Atlanta's length up front gives the Bucks' smallish forwards fits. Hawks in seven.

(All stats and records are through March 21.)

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Chris Mannix
CHRIS MANNIX

Chris Mannix is a senior writer at Sports Illustrated covering the NBA and boxing beats. He joined the SI staff in 2003 following his graduation from Boston College. Mannix is the host of SI’s “Open Floor” podcast and serves as a ringside analyst and reporter for DAZN Boxing. He is also a frequent contributor to NBC Sports Boston as an NBA analyst. A nominee for National Sportswriter of the Year in 2022, Mannix has won writing awards from the Boxing Writers Association of America and the Pro Basketball Writers Association, and is a longtime member of both organizations.

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