Going by the current standings here is what we are looking at.

1) Boston - Projected 66 wins with 14 games left
2) Detroit - Projected 59 wins with 14 games left
3) Orlando- Projected 53 wins with 12 games left
4) Clev - Projected 46 wins with 13 games left

Going by past standards it will have to be a pretty big upset for the 46 win team to beat the 66 win team in the 2nd round. However, its very much real for the 53 win team to beat the 59 win team in the 2nd round.

So with all things being equal, its not going to be a gimmie in the 2nd round this year. But that may actually help the team as they will have a chance to get better and get on a roll as they face the challenge from the south. Sure Orlando does not have much playoff experience but they do have some and their coach certainly does. Orlando is also just as good on the road as we are so home court does not glare out as a distinct advantage. However, adding Theo and getting him up to game speed is really going to help us in that series against Howard, Amir just does not have the bulk or experience to guard him. So in reality Theo getting most of Amir's mins could already be helping the cause.

Its going to be very interesting because they are not going to have much slack this year past the 1st round like they had before.

Also the top 2 teams ( Boston, Detroit ) probably will have homecourt in the Finals so they will be favored to win it all if they get there.