Purple&Blues Q&A : Eastern Conference
By Cody Powers
May 4, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Joe Johnson (7) puts up a shot over Chicago Bulls small forward Jimmy Butler (21) during the first half in game seven of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at the Barclays Center. The Bulls won 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
4. Which team is the dark horse to win the East?
Haslam – Cleveland- Kyrie with Bynum, Varejao, Bennett and Thompson makes fo a team that should be able to compete against anybody.
L. McDermott – The Chicago Bulls. I often think the Bulls are the forgotten team of the East. What they were able to do in the playoffs without Derrick Rose was amazing. Now that Rose will be back and healthy, the Bulls should be Conference Champ contenders and I have them ranked 3rd in my playoff seedings. The big question mark for them is how long will it take Rose to get in to game shape and trust in his body? If he is able to return to his MVP form, watch out for the Bulls.
R. McDermott – The Nets
Newman – I don’t really like any of the teams to beat the Heat. If I had to choose I guess I would go with the Bulls but I still don’t think they have a chance to have a better record then the Heat.
Anderson – My dark horse to win the Eastern a Conference is New York, on the grounds that they have the chip on their shoulder and the star power to make a serious push–as long as they stay serious.
Powers – I think the dark horse teams could be Chicago or Brooklyn. The Bulls have Derrick Rose coming back from injury and if he is 100% healthy, the Bulls could be dangerous. The Nets added all the all-star talent this off season. With the starting lineup they have, on paper, they look really good.