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Anticipation mounted like a dream strung out across the night with the possibility of waking up seeming remote. The surreal nature of my exuberance for the upcoming NBA Playoffs officially kicked back to reality as we are on the precipice of something beyond words.

For basketball neophytes sold from the constant rumbles concerning what’s about to unleash itself in the Western Conference, I hope you find one-tenth the enjoyment I will in watching the postseason. For David Stern, nothing could be as promising and remarkable as seeing the two preeminent franchises of the league as the top seeds after the Celtics lost 18-straight games at one point last season and Kobe tortured the Lakers with last summer’s miniseries “I Want Out Of L.A.”

Always loyal to the idea of wowing them in the end, I begin this shindig by examining the Leastern Conference before taking a bite out of the Bestern Conference with flimsy predictions following every series.

The East

1. Celtics vs. 8. Hawks

A match-up between two teams that failed to make the playoffs last year and brought in new faces to qualify this season. That’s where the similarities end. The Celts pulled off the greatest single-season turnaround in league history and their 66 wins fell one short of the Mavs’ 67 from a season ago.

The Celts clearly would like to prove that they are one of the best assembled teams in recent history and, with an aging group, earn some R & R by disposing of the Hawks early. The one test that could show how Boston fairs later on in will deal with their youthful point guard Rajon Rondo guarding a playoff-tested QB in Mike Bibby.

Prediction - Celts in Five.

2. Pistons vs. 7. Sixers

The Pistons could earn the status of the Atlanta Braves of the league as they are looking for their sixth consecutive trip to the Conference Finals with only one title to show for the early postseason success. Chauncey and the crew cannot sleep on a Philly team that I and plenty of other avid NBA followers branded hopeless before the season.

There is plenty of athletic inexperience on Philly with Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young but if Chauncey can control veteran pg Andre “I’ll Make Philly Forget About Iverson For A Moment” Miller, the Pistons will have no problem avoiding the shocker - that’s what she said. See despite the lack of financial compensation for my blogs, I do enjoy posting on uncensored sites.

Prediction - Pistons in Six

3. Magic vs. Raptors

Dwight Howard vs. Chris Bosh - ‘nuff said. Both floundered in the first round last season but Howard seemed just satisfied to get to the “Real Season” as despite winning the Atlantic Division Chris Bosh and the Raps fell to the Nets.

Both teams feature capable supporting players: Orlando has the Turkish Assassin - my own original nickname for Hedo Turkoglu - who should win Most Improved Player; The Raps have their share of European standouts in Jose Calderon and Jorge Garbosa but that just means it’s a wash. What will determine the winner, as is usually the case in the playoffs, is superstar production.

D-Howard thrived in a less pressure-packed stage during the Slam Dunk Contest, but his flair coupled with his easygoing demeanor and understanding of what his 21st century body can do will propel Orlando out of the first round for the first time since Shaq starred in Disney World.

Prediction - Orlando in Five

4. Cavs vs. Wizards

Undoobetalably the most intriguing of the first round series in the East as despite facing The King and his disciples, both Washington’s DeShawn “If You Don’t Know Who I Am Don’t Worry You’re Not Alone” Stevenson and the blogger, Agent Zero Gilbert Arenas talking street smack worthy of the And 1 Tour.

It’s easy to brush off the war of words after Bron brought his team filled with nobodies to the finals last season. However, the Cavs stumbled down the stretch after pulling off a major deal at the deadline and, unlike last season, Gilbert will suit up for the series even though he reportedly will come off the bench. But the main reason I take what the Wizards are saying as gospel, and why I’m going with an early exit for my man James, is Caron Butler.

Butler shined at UCONN before being included in the trade that sent Shaq to Miami. Many ridiculed the move but I knew L.A. received nearly fair value. They in turn blew that one by shipping Butler to D.C. for Kwame Brown. Side note: Brown, who was picked by Jordan as the top selection in the ‘01 draft, is single-handedly responsible for the Wizards’ climb out of mediocrity and the Lakers’ nabbing of the top seed as he was also included in the farce of a deal to bring Pau Gasol to Hollywood. Furthermore, Kwame now plays in Memphis with Darko Milicic who Pistons’ president Joe Dumars selected second overall in ‘03 with Melo, Bosh and Wade going after. The NBA - Where Great Players Make Terrible Executives Happens.

Prediction - Wizards in Six

I’m calling an audible and starting another blog where I examine the “Real Playoffs” - the Western Conference. Stay tuned.