When talking about a #1 seed and a #8 seed in professional sports come playoff time, its usually in the context of a blow-out series. As it pertains to the 2010 NBA playoffs and 2010 NHL playoffs, the topic covers a much more shocking scenario.

If you were posed the following question one month ago the answer would have seemed obvious. Who would be playing in an Eastern Conference Finals – The Cleveland Cavaliers or the Montreal Canadiens? You would probably bet your house that it would be Lebron James and the Cavs.

As they say in the NFL, on any given Sunday one team wins and one team loses. Well, on Wednesday May 12th 2010 Jaroslav Halak and the Montreal Canadiens won – on Thursday May 13th 2010 Lebron James and the Cavaliers lost. The fashion in which these teams performed in do-or-die scenarios is even crazier… Montreal left it all on the ice, playing their hearts out and un-seeding the defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Cleveland didn’t bring it all night, quitting on their teammates and coaches, electing to not even foul or extend the game in the final minutes of their game against the Boston Celtics. Its on to the next round for the Habs, its on to free agencey for Lebron. Wow.

Lebron James will be in a New York Knicks #6 Jersey in 2011.

The Montreal Canadiens will be playing for Stanley Cup #25 in 2010.

Mike Brown will be fired as Cavaliers head coach. Mike Cammalleri will be a hero in Canada.

Who would’ve thunk it?

In the last 24 hours we have witnessed the end of professional basketball in Cleveland and the rebirth of professional hockey in Montreal. We have also witnessed a complete shift in the 2010 NBA and NHL Eastern Conference Finals.

Here are the updated NBA Eastern Conference Finals matchups and NHL Eastern Conference Finals matchups.

2010 NBA Eastern Conference Finals – Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics Playoff Tickets:
May 16th 2010 Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 at Amway Arena
May 18th 2010 Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 at Amway Arena
May 22nd 2010 Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Eastern Conference Finals Game 3 at TD Garden
May 24th 2010 Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Eastern Conference Finals Game 4 at TD Garden
May 26th 2010 Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics Eastern Conference Finals Game 5 at Amway Arena
May 28th 2010 Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Eastern Conference Finals Game 6 at TD Garden
May 30th 2010 Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics Eastern Conference Finals Game 7 at Amway Arena

2010 NHL Eastern Conference Finals – Montreal Canadiens vs Philadelphia Flyers Playoff Tickets:
May 16th 2010 Philadelphia Flyers vs Montreal Canadiens Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 at Wachovia Center
May 18th 2010 Philadelphia Flyers vs Montreal Canadiens Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 at Wachovia Center
May 20th 2010 Montreal Canadiens vs Philadelphia Flyers Eastern Conference Finals Game 3 at Centre Bell
May 22nd 2010 Montreal Canadiens vs Philadelphia Flyers Eastern Conference Finals Game 4 at Centre Bell
May 24th 2010 Philadelphia Flyers vs Montreal Canadiens Eastern Conference Finals Game 5 at Wachovia Center
May 26th 2010 Montreal Canadiens vs Philadelphia Flyers or Eastern Conference Finals Game 6 at Centre Bell
May 28th 2010 Philadelphia Flyers vs Montreal Canadiens Eastern Conference Finals Game 7 at Wachovia Center

Our 2010 NBA Playoffs preview takes us down south to the Peach State, home to the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks were the doormat of the National Basketball Association in the early 2000s, bottoming out with an atrocious 13 win season in 2004-05. That off-season was the key to the resurrection of the once proud franchise, landing Josh Smith and Josh Childress in the draft. The following season saw an even shrewder move for the Hawks, bringing in all star guard Joe Johnson from the Phoenix Suns. Atlanta made their first post season in 2007-08, forcing a deciding game 7 in the opening round before bowing out to the eventual NBA Champion Boston Celtics. The Hawks built upon that campaign by winning 47 games in 2009 and a playoff series, and find themselves passing this 50 win plateau this year. Is the next step up for the Hawks an NBA Championship? Here is our Atlanta Hawks 2010 Playoff prediction.

Home Games Played At: Philips Arena

Key Players: Joe Johnson, Jamal Crawford, Al Horford, Josh Smith, Mike Bibby

Head Coach: Mike Woodson

How They Fared in 2009: Lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

2010 Atlanta Hawks Playoff Prediction: The overhaul of the Atlanta Hawks roster is quite impressive to say the least. After the Dominique Wilkins – Spud Webb era ended in Atlanta, the Hawks fell into the pits of despair and found themselves one of the NBA’s worst franchises. The resurgence of the Hawks franchise finally began in the mid 2000s with the drafting of Josh Smith, and continued to get better for Atlanta who added top notch talent like Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby, and Jamal Crawford in subsequent years. The Atlanta Hawks will enter the 2010 playoffs as the Eastern Conference’s number 3 seed, salivating at the probable first round matchup with the injury riddled Bucks. It should be smooth sailing for the Hawks to the East Semi-Finals where they will most likely face the defending NBA Finalist Orlando Magic. A Magic Hawks series could go the distance, but unluckily for Atlanta, Orlando holds the home court advantage. We see Atlanta ultimately losing again in the Eastern Conference Semis in 2010, but think they could be representing the East in the 2011 NBA Finals.

2010 Atlanta Hawks Playoff Tickets: You can negotiate prices for Atlanta Hawks 2010 NBA Playoff Tickets right here at SaveFans! We will update the 2010 Hawks playoff schedule regularly so keeping checking back for tickets.

2010 Atlanta Hawks Playoff Schedule: (Home Games) and 2010 Hawks Playoff Matchups: (TBA)
April 17th 2010 Atlanta Hawks vs Charlotte Bobcats NBA Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 1 at Philips Arena
April 20th 2010 Atlanta Hawks vs Charlotte Bobcats NBA Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 2 at Philips Arena
April 28th 2010 Atlanta Hawks vs Charlotte Bobcats NBA Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 3 at Philips Arena
May 2nd 2010 Atlanta Hawks vs Charlotte Bobcats NBA Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 4 at Philips Arena
Date TBA Atlanta Hawks 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Home Game 1
Date TBA Atlanta Hawks 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Home Game 2
Date TBA Atlanta Hawks 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Home Game 3
Date TBA Atlanta Hawks 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Home Game 4
Date TBA Atlanta Hawks 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Home Game 1
Date TBA Atlanta Hawks 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Home Game 2
Date TBA Atlanta Hawks 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Home Game 3
Date TBA Atlanta Hawks 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Home Game 4
Date TBA Atlanta Hawks 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 1
Date TBA Atlanta Hawks 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 2
Date TBA Atlanta Hawks 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 3
Date TBA Atlanta Hawks 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 4

Our 2010 NBA Playoffs preview continues in the Pacific Northwest, home to Paul Allen’s Portland Trail Blazers. Like their billionaire owner, the Trailblazers work hard to put forth a successful product, and have been one of the West’s best franchises over the past two decades. The Clyde Drexler – Terry Porter Blazers era of the 1990s gave way to the Damon Stoudamire – Rasheed Wallace – Scottie Pippen Blazers era of the early 2000s, which now passes the torch to Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge. Despite botching the first pick of the 2008 NBA draft and picking Greg Oden over Kevin Durant, The Portland Trail Blazers are about to enter the NBA Playoffs for the second consecutive season. Is 2010 the year they win their first playoff series since the 2000-01 season? Here is our Portland Trail Blazers 2010 Playoff prediction.

Home Games Played At: Rose Garden

Key Players: Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Andre Miller, Marcus Camby

Head Coach: Nate McMillan

How They Fared in 2009: Lost to the Houston Rockets in Game 6 of the Opening Round

2010 Portland Trail Blazers Playoff Prediction: The Portland Trail Blazers looked like a team dead in the water just a few months back, after losing Greg Oden for the second straight year, as well as their other big man, Joel Przybilla. The solution? Bring in elderly statesman Juwan Howard. Uh, that didn’t seem like it would work out so well for Portland, yet the former Fab Five forward has played beyond his years and fit in nicely on the young Trailblazers squad. Portland further shored up their problems in the middle by trading for Marcus Camby, who provides consistent rebounding, shot blocking, and defense in the lane. The Blazers talent and depth is obvious with all-star guard Brandon Roy and youngsters like LaMarcus Aldridge, Jerryd Bayless, and Martell Webster, but what about their lack of experience? The Blazers were a relatively easy out for the Rockets last year and could face a way tougher opponent this year in the LA Lakers, Denver Nuggets, or Dallas Mavs. Bottom line is this Blazers squad is not quite ready to make a splash in the 2010 playoffs, but will be a major player in the West for many years to come.

2010 Portland Trail Blazers Playoff Tickets: You can negotiate prices for Portland Trail Blazers 2010 NBA Playoff Tickets right here at SaveFans! We will update the 2010 Trail Blazers playoff schedule regularly so keeping checking back for tickets.

2010 Portland Trail Blazers Playoff Schedule: (Home Games) and 2010 Blazers Playoff Matchups: (TBA)
April 22nd 2010 Portland Trail Blazers vs Phoenix Suns NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 1 at Rose Garden
April 24th 2010 Portland Trail Blazers vs Phoenix Suns NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 2 at Rose Garden
April 29th 2010 Portland Trail Blazers vs Phoenix Suns NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 3 at Rose Garden
Date TBA Portland Trail Blazers 2010 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Home Game 1
Date TBA Portland Trail Blazers 2010 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Home Game 2
Date TBA Portland Trail Blazers 2010 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Home Game 3
Date TBA Portland Trail Blazers 2010 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Home Game 4
Date TBA Portland Trail Blazers 2010 NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 1
Date TBA Portland Trail Blazers 2010 NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 2
Date TBA Portland Trail Blazers 2010 NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 3
Date TBA Portland Trail Blazers 2010 NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 4
Date TBA Portland Trail Blazers 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 1
Date TBA Portland Trail Blazers 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 2
Date TBA Portland Trail Blazers 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 3
Date TBA Portland Trail Blazers 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 4

Our 2010 NBA Playoffs preview shifts back to the Western Conference, with a look at the Phoenix Suns. The Suns have been among the best offensive teams in the league since re-acquiring Steve Nash in the 2004-05 season. Nash has been rewarded for leading the resurgence in the Valley of the Sun, taking home two NBA MVP awards during his second stint in Phoenix. Equally as important to the Suns success is big man Amare Stoudemire, a name that was widely rumored to be traded this past February. Not only did the Suns elect to keep Stoudemire, they have been the league’s hottest team since doing so. A recent 9-1 stretch has Phoenix sitting in a 3 way tie for the Western Conference second seed and right in the hunt for home court advantage in at least the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Does Nash + Stoudemire = the Phoenix Suns first NBA Title? He is our Phoenix Suns 2010 Playoff prediction.

Home Games Played At: US Airways Center

Key Players: Amare Stoudemire, Steve Nash, Jason Richardson, Grant Hill

Head Coach: Alvin Gentry

How They Fared in 2009: Did not make the playoffs

2010 Phoenix Suns Playoff Prediction: The supporting cast in Phoenix has been a revolving door of names the past few seasons. NBA all-stars and veterans like Joe Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Shawn Marion, Leandro Barbosa, Raja Bell, Boris Diaw, and Tim Thomas have come and gone, yet here sits the Steve Nash Amare Stoudemire led Suns sitting right in the mix in the West. Phoenix is a franchise that can never seem to get over that final hump, losing often to their rival San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks despite having better records, and, when Charles Barkley finally led the Suns to an NBA Finals appearance, they matchup against Michael Jordan and the Bulls. The 2009 Phoenix Suns were the biggest disappointment in the league, missing the playoffs entirely, but they are back with a vengeance and playing some of the best basketball entering the 2010 postseason. The Suns biggest issue is their usual issue, their lack of strong team defense. This will be a big problem as they are going to have a tough first round battle with the likes of Denver or Dallas. Offense might win regular season games, but defense wins playoff games, and for that reason alone we are picking the Phoenix Suns 2010 playoff venture to end in the opening round.

2010 Phoenix Suns Playoff Tickets: You can negotiate prices for Phoenix Suns 2010 NBA Playoff Tickets right here at SaveFans! We will update the 2010 Suns playoff schedule regularly so keeping checking back for tickets.

2010 Phoenix Suns Playoff Schedule: (Home Games) and 2010 Suns Playoff Matchups: (TBA)
April 18th 2010 Phoenix Suns vs Portland Trailblazers NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 1 at US Airways Center
April 20th 2010 Phoenix Suns vs Portland Trailblazers NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 2 at US Airways Center
April 26th 2010 Phoenix Suns vs Portland Trailblazers NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 3 at US Airways Center
May 3rd 2010 Phoenix Suns vs San Antonio Spurs NBA Western Conference Semifinals Home Game 1 at US Airways Center
May 5th 2010 Phoenix Suns vs San Antonio Spurs NBA Western Conference Semifinals Home Game 2 at US Airways Center
May 23rd 2010 Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 1 at US Airways Center
May 25th 2010 Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 2 at US Airways Center
May 29th 2010 Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 3 at US Airways Center
Date TBA Phoenix Suns 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 1
Date TBA Phoenix Suns 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 2
Date TBA Phoenix Suns 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 3
Date TBA Phoenix Suns 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 4

Our 2010 NBA Playoffs preview continues with the Milwaukee Bucks, yes the Bucks, participants in the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 2005-06 season. This has been a surprise year for the Bucks on many fronts, not just their success in the standings, but the success of rookie Brandon Jennings. Jennings first turned heads by setting an NBA record for the youngest player in league history to score 50 or more points, when he dropped two nickels on Golden State in November. He has emerged as the best rookie in the league and a lock for the 2010 Rookie of the Year Award. However, season ending injuries to both Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut have fans in Milwaukee changing their “fear the deer” chant to “fear whoever we matchup against” in the playoffs. Do the hobbled Bucks have any chance at all to win a postseason series? Here is our Milwaukee Bucks 2010 Playoff prediction.

Home Games Played At: Bradley Center

Key Players: Brandon Jennings, John Salmons, Andrew Bogut, Michael Redd

Head Coach: Scott Skiles

How They Fared in 2009: Did not make the playoffs

2010 Milwaukee Bucks Playoff Prediction: The recent season ending elbow injury to Andrew Bogut is a real shame for Bucks fans. One of the best stories in the NBA in 2010 is the Milwaukee Bucks, owners of the 5th best record in the Eastern Conference and far beyond exceeding pre-season expectations especially after trading Richard Jefferson to the Spurs. Bogut was a team leader and will be missed, the same can be said for Michael Redd who went down with a knee injury in January. The Bucks will know have to rely heavily on rookie Brandon Jennings and John Salmons, who was acquired in a trade from the Bulls. With the remainder of the roster filled out by aging veterans like Kurt Thomas and Jerry Stackhouse the current Bucks roster has little to no chance of making any noise in the 2010 NBA Playoffs. One playoff game win against either Atlanta or Boston will be tough for Milwaukee, two highly unlikely, and a series win a miracle.

2010 Milwaukee Bucks Playoff Tickets: You can negotiate prices for Milwaukee Bucks 2010 NBA Playoff Tickets right here at SaveFans! We will update the 2010 Bucks playoff schedule regularly so keeping checking back for tickets.

2010 Milwaukee Bucks Playoff Schedule: (Home Games) and 2010 Bucks Playoff Matchups: (TBA)
April 24th 2010 Milwaukee Bucks vs Atlanta Hawks NBA Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 1 at Bradley Center
April 26th 2010 Milwaukee Bucks vs Atlanta Hawks NBA Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 2 at Bradley Center
April 30th 2010 Milwaukee Bucks vs Atlanta Hawks NBA Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 3 at Bradley Center
Date TBA Milwaukee Bucks 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Home Game 1
Date TBA Milwaukee Bucks 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Home Game 2
Date TBA Milwaukee Bucks 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Home Game 3
Date TBA Milwaukee Bucks 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Home Game 4
Date TBA Milwaukee Bucks 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Home Game 1
Date TBA Milwaukee Bucks 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Home Game 2
Date TBA Milwaukee Bucks 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Home Game 3
Date TBA Milwaukee Bucks 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Home Game 4
Date TBA Milwaukee Bucks 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 1
Date TBA Milwaukee Bucks 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 2
Date TBA Milwaukee Bucks 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 3
Date TBA Milwaukee Bucks 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 4

Our 2010 NBA Playoffs preview takes us to the Lonestar State, Texas, home to the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs have been the model for consistency in the National Basketball Association the past decade, having won four of the last eleven NBA titles. The names David Robinson and Sean Elliott have given way to the names Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili – The name of their home arena, The Alamodome, has changed to the AT&T Center – Yet their head coach, Greg Popovich, has remained the rock on the bench guiding one basketball’s most successful franchises. Age and injuries have taken their toll on the Spurs, though healthy and playing their best basketball of 2010 entering the postseason, does anyone really want to face San Antonio in a playoff series? Here is our San Antonio Spurs 2010 Playoff prediction.

Home Games Played At: AT&T Center

Key Players: Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, Richard Jefferson

Head Coach: Greg Popovich

How They Fared in 2009: Lost to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the opening round

2010 San Antonio Spurs Playoff Prediction: The San Antonio Spurs enter the 2010 playoffs looking to avenge their first round loss in 2009 to the Dallas Mavericks. That series was the earliest exit in the NBA playoffs for the Spurs since 2000, and prompted some changes in San Antonio last summer. The Spurs, looking to get younger and more athletic, signed prized free agent Richard Jefferson, as well as added some length and veteran leadership in journeyman Antonio McDyess. Tim Duncan remains the Big Fundamental, and Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are both healthy for the first time in awhile entering the postseason. The Spurs are definitely a team nobody wants to face in the opening round of the playoffs, but San Ant0nio also can’t like the prospects of playing a team like Utah, Denver, or Dallas without home court advantage. The Spurs will be a tough out, but will be outed nonetheless, in 7 games in the opening round for the second consecutive season.

2010 San Antonio Spurs Playoff Tickets: You can negotiate prices for San Antonio Spurs 2010 NBA Playoff Tickets right here at SaveFans! We will update the 2010 Spurs playoff schedule regularly so keeping checking back for tickets.

2010 San Antonio Spurs Playoff Schedule: (Home Games) and 2010 Spurs Playoff Matchups: (TBA)
April 23rd 2010 San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 1 at AT&T Center
April 25th 2010 San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 2 at AT&T Center
April 29th 2010 San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 3 at AT&T Center
Date TBA San Antonio Spurs 2010 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Home Game 1
Date TBA San Antonio Spurs 2010 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Home Game 2
Date TBA San Antonio Spurs 2010 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Home Game 3
Date TBA San Antonio Spurs 2010 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Home Game 4
Date TBA San Antonio Spurs 2010 NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 1
Date TBA San Antonio Spurs 2010 NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 2
Date TBA San Antonio Spurs 2010 NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 3
Date TBA San Antonio Spurs 2010 NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 4
Date TBA San Antonio Spurs 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 1
Date TBA San Antonio Spurs 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 2
Date TBA San Antonio Spurs 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 3
Date TBA San Antonio Spurs 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 4

Our 2010 NBA Playoffs preview continues with the other professional basketball team in Florida, the Miami Heat. The Heat reached the pinnacle of NBA success in 2006, when the Dwayne Wade – Shaquille O’Neal combo led Miami to an NBA Finals victory. Four years have passed, and while Wade remains a constant at American Airlines Arena, his supporting cast has transitioned completely. Exiting were the likes of Shaq, Alonzo Mourning, Antoine Walker, and coach Stan Van Gundy, and entering were former all-star Jermaine O’Neal, former second overall draft pick Michael Beasley, and second year head coach Erik Spoelstra. Can D-Wade single-handedly guide the Heat through the 2010 NBA Playoffs, and will he sign with the team in the off-season? Here is our Miami Heat 2010 Playoff prediction.

Home Games Played At: American Airlines Arena

Key Players: Dwayne Wade, Jermaine O’Neal, Michael Beasley, Udonis Haslem

Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra

How They Fared in 2009: Lost to the Atlanta Hawks in Game 7 of the Opening Round

2010 Miami Heat Playoff Prediction: We are going to be blunt with our prediction for the Miami Heat in the 2010 NBA Playoffs. The Heat, at best, can win one playoff series. Period. And, for that to even happen, Dwayne Wade will have to play virtually every minute, of every game, to his highest capability as the 3rd best player in the NBA. The Heat are on an 8 game winning streak, which is nice, but a potential first round match-up with the Boston Celtics then second round matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers is beyond daunting. The 2010 playoff run for the Miami Heat will feel more like a sprint, ending almost as quickly as it begins. What does that mean for Dwyane Wade as a free agent this summer? Look for D-Wade to resign with the Heat, since the can pay him a max deal, and expect Miami to flank him with another all star or two. What do you say Chris Bosh or Carlos Boozer???

2010 Miami Heat Playoff Tickets: You can negotiate prices for Miami Heat 2010 NBA Playoff Tickets right here at SaveFans! We will update the 2010 Heat playoff schedule regularly so keeping checking back for tickets.

2010 Miami Heat Playoff Schedule: (Home Games) and 2010 Heat Playoff Matchups: (TBA)
April 23rd 2010 Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics NBA Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 1 at American Airlines Arena
April 25th 2010 Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics NBA Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 2 at American Airlines Arena
April 29th 2010 Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics NBA Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 3 at American Airlines Arena
Date TBA Miami Heat 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Home Game 1
Date TBA Miami Heat 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Home Game 2
Date TBA Miami Heat 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Home Game 3
Date TBA Miami Heat 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Home Game 4
Date TBA Miami Heat 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Home Game 1
Date TBA Miami Heat 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Home Game 2
Date TBA Miami Heat 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Home Game 3
Date TBA Miami Heat 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Home Game 4
Date TBA Miami Heat 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 1
Date TBA Miami Heat 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 2
Date TBA Miami Heat 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 3
Date TBA Miami Heat 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 4

Our 2010 NBA Playoffs preview takes us to Salt Lake City, home of the Utah Jazz, one of the NBA’s most successful franchises to have never won a title. The Jazz are best know for the John Stockton, Karl Malone era, one that brought them to the NBA Finals in 1997 & 1998, only to fall victim to the Michael Jordan led Chicago Bulls. Over ten years have passed since Stockton and Malone departed, yet certain things remain constant in Utah. Great point guard play from one of the league’s best, Deron Williams – Great pick and roll and low post game from Carlos Boozer – and toughness and grit taught by the longest tenured coach in the NBA, Jerry Sloan. Will the Jazz finally put it all together and play sweet music this June? Here is our Utah Jazz 2010 Playoff prediction.

Home Games Played At: EnergySolutions Arena

Key Players: Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur, Andrei Kirilenko

Head Coach: Jerry Sloan

How They Fared in 2009: Lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 of the opening round

2010 Utah Jazz Playoff Prediction: The Utah Jazz enter the 2010 postseason much the same way they did the 2009. The Jazz sport one of the best home records in the league, yet a very mediocre record on the road. Deron Williams is once again a top 3 point guard in the NBA, while Carlos Boozer is one of the leagues best on the blocks. The Jazz can stretch any defense as well with sharpshooters Memo Okur, Kyle Korver, and Williams. With five games remaining in the regular season, the Jazz are one of six teams separated by two games in the Western Conference standings. Assuming the Jazz can get home court in the opening round, expect them to advance to the semifinals. Unless they can get the number two seed don’t expect them to advance beyond the semis, where they will be ousted by either the Lakers or the Dallas Mavericks.

2010 Utah Jazz Playoff Tickets: You can negotiate prices for Utah Jazz 2010 NBA Playoff Tickets right here at SaveFans! We will update the 2010 Jazz playoff schedule regularly so keeping checking back for tickets.

2010 Utah Jazz Playoff Schedule: (Home Games) and 2010 Jazz Playoff Matchups: (TBA)
April 23rd 2010 Utah Jazz vs Denver Nuggets NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 1 at EnergySolutions Arena
April 25th 2010 Utah Jazz vs Denver Nuggets NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 2 at EnergySolutions Arena
April 30th 2010 Utah Jazz vs Denver Nuggets NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 3 at EnergySolutions Arena
Date TBA Utah Jazz 2010 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Home Game 1
Date TBA Utah Jazz 2010 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Home Game 2
Date TBA Utah Jazz 2010 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Home Game 3
Date TBA Utah Jazz 2010 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Home Game 4
Date TBA Utah Jazz 2010 NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 1
Date TBA Utah Jazz 2010 NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 2
Date TBA Utah Jazz 2010 NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 3
Date TBA Utah Jazz 2010 NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 4
Date TBA Utah Jazz 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 1
Date TBA Utah Jazz 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 2
Date TBA Utah Jazz 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 3
Date TBA Utah Jazz 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 4

Our 2010 NBA Playoffs preview continues with the Oklahoma City Thunder, a franchise making its first ever postseason appearance in the team’s second year of existence. The Thunder are the NBA’s fourth youngest team, at an average age of 25.5, and features multiple top draft picks from the Seattle Sonics years of futility. Oklahoma City’s biggest fortune came at the hands of Seattle’s misfortune, when the Sonics finished dead last in the Western Conference allowing them to select Kevin Durant with the 2nd pick in the 2007 NBA draft. Does the 21 year old swingman have enough polish to lead a 2010 OKC Thunder playoff push? Here is our Oklahoma City Thunder 2010 playoff prediction.

Home Games Played At: Ford Center

Key Players: Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green

Head Coach: Scott Brooks

How They Fared in 2009: Did not make the playoffs

2010 Thunder Playoff Prediction: The Oklahoma City Thunder are the biggest surprise in the NBA in 2010. Not the fact that this young and talented team is competitive, but the fact that they have matured so quickly. Many believed that OKC was at least two years away from qualifying for the NBA playoffs, but they have defied critics behind stellar play from Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Durant has elevated himself into the top 5 player in the league discussion along with the likes of Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwight Howard, while the rest of the Thunder play hard night in and night out. The outlook for the Thunder in the 2010 NBA playoffs is a little stormy, as they will most likely end up the 6th-8th seed and have to face the Lakers, Mavs, Jazz, or Nuggets in the first round. Oklahoma City isn’t quite ready for a series victory in ’10, though expect Durant to steal a game or two with some memorable performances in his first ever playoffs.

2010 Thunder Playoff Tickets: You can negotiate prices for Oklahoma City Thunder 2010 NBA Playoff Tickets right here at SaveFans! We will update the 2010 Thunder playoff schedule regularly so keeping checking back for tickets.

2010 Thunder Playoff Schedule: (Home Games) and 2010 OKC Thunder Playoff Matchups: (TBA)
April 22nd 2010 Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 1 at Ford Center
April 24th 2010 Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 2 at Ford Center
April 30th 2010 Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 3 at Ford Center
Date TBA Oklahoma City Thunder 2010 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Home Game 1
Date TBA Oklahoma City Thunder 2010 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Home Game 2
Date TBA Oklahoma City Thunder 2010 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Home Game 3
Date TBA Oklahoma City Thunder 2010 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Home Game 4
Date TBA Oklahoma City Thunder 2010 NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 1
Date TBA Oklahoma City Thunder 2010 NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 2
Date TBA Oklahoma City Thunder 2010 NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 3
Date TBA Oklahoma City Thunder 2010 NBA Western Conference Finals Home Game 4
Date TBA Oklahoma City Thunder 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 1
Date TBA Oklahoma City Thunder 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 2
Date TBA Oklahoma City Thunder 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 3
Date TBA Oklahoma City Thunder 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 4

Our 2010 NBA Playoffs preview takes us to the Great White North, home of the lone NBA team in Canada, the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors franchise is one of relative inexperience when it comes to the NBA Playoffs, having only made the postseason a handful of times and never making it past the 2nd round. GM Bryan Colangelo has rebuilt the Raps roster, transitioning from a team led by Vince Carter to one led by Chris Bosh. However, if the Raptors don’t make it far in the 2010 Playoffs they will probably need a new team leader as Bosh is most likely to bolt for a team in the states. Do the Raptors have any chance at making noise in the East? Here is our 2010 Toronto Raptors playoffs preview.

Home Games Played At: Air Canada Centre

Key Players: Chris Bosh, Hedu Turkoglu, Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon

Head Coach: Jay Triano

How They Fared in 2009: Did not make the playoffs

2010 Raptors Playoff Prediction: At this point it is not readily known if the Toronto Raptors will even make the 2010 playoffs, but with a two game lead over the Chicago Bulls for the 8th spot, we are going to go out an a limb and say they squeak in. The Raptors have been a colossal disappointment in the East the past two seasons, as many prognosticators had them as a top 3 team entering the 2008-09 season. They failed to even qualify for the postseason that year. The 2010 version of the Raptors includes additions of Hedo Turkoglu and Jarret Jack, subtractions of Anthony Parker and Jason Kapono, and inconsistent output from Bosh, Bargnani, and Calderon. That is basically a formula for disaster for the 2010 Raptors Playoff push, so expect to see them swept out of the first round by Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavs.

2010 Raptors Playoff Tickets: You can negotiate prices for Toronto Raptors 2010 NBA Playoff Tickets right here at SaveFans! We will update the 2010 Raptors playoff schedule regularly so keeping checking back for tickets.

2010 Raptors Playoff Schedule: (Home Games) and 2010 Raptors Playoff Matchups: (TBA)
Date TBA Toronto Raptors 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 1
Date TBA Toronto Raptors 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 2
Date TBA Toronto Raptors 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 3
Date TBA Toronto Raptors 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Home Game 4
Date TBA Toronto Raptors 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Home Game 1
Date TBA Toronto Raptors 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Home Game 2
Date TBA Toronto Raptors 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Home Game 3
Date TBA Toronto Raptors 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Home Game 4
Date TBA Toronto Raptors 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Home Game 1
Date TBA Toronto Raptors 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Home Game 2
Date TBA Toronto Raptors 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Home Game 3
Date TBA Toronto Raptors 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Home Game 4
Date TBA Toronto Raptors 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 1
Date TBA Toronto Raptors 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 2
Date TBA Toronto Raptors 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 3
Date TBA Toronto Raptors 2010 NBA Finals Home Game 4