The Return To Relevance

On Friday evening, the Boston Celtics, the most storied franchise in basketball history will open the season in a position we haven't seen since the days of Larry Bird, as the front runner in the Eastern Conference.

The road to get to this point was painful, and while I look forward to the potential success the season could give, I still disagree 100% with the trade it took to get us here today.

The Celtics certainly gave up to much to acquire Kevin Garnett, it will be painful watching Al Jefferson turn into a superstar in Minnesota.

Nevertheless, we have a new season upon us and an exciting one at that. Many experts are predicting a fierce battle in the east with Boston and Detroit and more then a few expect the Celtics to come out on top.

With that in mind, I am going to make my playoff predictions for the NBA and hope I hit the finals head on like I did last April with my World Series prediction.

Eastern Conference Finals:
In a tough battle, the big three of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce will lead the Celtics to a 4-3 series win over the Detroit Pistons.

Western Conference Finals:
The San Antonio Spurs are my second favorite NBA team, and while I did hate them for stealing Tim Duncan from us I still root for them, that's why this prediction is tough for me to write. Suns 4 Spurs 2

NBA Finals:
The Boston Celtics will nail down the trifecta for New England Sports joining the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots as World Champions. Of course the New England Revolution could also join the party and Boston College may make some noise too. Celtics 4 Suns 3