The Indiana Pacers (56-26) and the Atlanta Hawks (38-44) square off once again in the first round of the NBA Playoffs (Pacers defeated the Hawks in 6 games last year). The Pacers are limping into this series (10-13 in last 23 games) despite being 46-13 once upon a time.  During the post All-Star collsape of the Pacers their most head shaking loss came at the hands of the Hawks as they were defeated 107-88. If the Pacers are limping in the Hawks have damn near crawled in the playoffs being the only team under .500 to make it to this years playoffs. The Hawks have a multitude of match-up problems with the Pacers. Paul George’s(21.7 PPG) ability to slash to the basket will definitely flourish in this series along with David West’s (14.0 PPG) midrange dominance & hopefully a rejuvenated Roy Hibbert will give Atlanta a world of trouble. The Hawks are a terrific passing team in which provides open looks to their skilled shooters (The Hawks are among the leauge leaders in 3 Pointers made). Can the Hawks  be the 9th  #8 seed to knock off the #1 seed since 1985?  ABSOUTLEY NOT!!!

Prediction: Pacers in 5