In the mind's of many NBA fans, critics, and lovers of the game, the Eastern Conference Championship game already appears to be a clash between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
It's hard to really imagine any teams giving these two teams much of a fight in a 7-game series given the overall talent and depth that both teams possess. Pair that with the excellent coaching staffs both Chicago and Cleveland has, one can really expect both teams to be playing their best basketball come playoff time.
For a lot of teams that means trouble because even when the Cavs or Bulls aren't playing their best, they may still come out on top when the final buzzer sounds. Amazing what experience, rebounding, and defense does come playoff time.
Not to say no other team in the East has a chance, because the East is a whole new conference this year. The pace the games are played at seem to be speeding up, while still maintaining that defensive toughness the Eastern Conference is known for.
Come playoff time I feel both Chicago and Cleveland will only have to be wary of the Nets, Pistons, and the Hawks. These teams are the only ones with the physicality and athleticism needed to put up with Chicago and/or Cleveland in a 7-game series.
I admit I am a bit biased, but how could a Cleveland/Chicago Eastern Conference Final not be what's best for the NBA? It has excitement, star power, and fans all across the nation (be it die-hard or band-wagoners).
Whether it be due to the alignment of the planets and stars, a conspiracy theory, or just all media hype, a Bulls vs. Cavs Eastern Conference Final seems to inevitable.
Both teams are still relatively young so this could be the start of the next great rivalry in sports for years to come.
The only thing we can probably all agree on is that the 2014-2015 NBA season needs to get underway soon. Preseason only does so much.
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