Eastern Conference Playoffs

#2 Miami Heat vs. #7 Philadelphia 76ers

Team sites: Peninsula is Mightier (Heat) & Liberty Ballers (Sixers)

Essential reading: Good stuff from Matt Moore of CBS Sports. Also check out Sebastian Pruti's excellent breakdowns at NBA Playbook of the strengths and weaknesses of the Heat & Sixers on both the offensive and defensive end.

Prediction: Heat in 5. Philadelphia has had a great season and has overachieved, but LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have generally made lunch meat out of overachievers and heavy underdogs all season. Miami is going to face a lot of obstacles down the road if they plan on winning a title this season, but the first round of the Eastern Conference isn't going to be the place they meet their demise.

Schedule
Game 1: Sat., April 16 in Miami, 3:30 p.m., ABC
Game 2: Mon., April 18 in Miami, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 3: Thu., April 21 in Philadelphia, TBD, TNT
Game 4: Sun., April 24 in Philadelphia, 1 p.m., ABC
Game 5: Wed., April 27 in Miami (if needed)
Game 6: Fri., April 29 in Philadelphia (if needed)
Game 7: Sun., May 1 in Miami (if needed)