Why are the top two East teams taking their opponents for granted?

the reason why pistons-philly and celtics-hawks series are tied up because of the fact that the bottom 2 teams are out-running the top 2 teams. we all know that the celtics and the pistons are primarily composed of not-so-young players who can keep up with a running phase. plus, these bottom 2 eastern teams are so weak that they tend to underestimate them. its human nature.

now, the spurs on the other hand are going up against their rivals, which means that there's no reason for them to slack-off and relax. plus, the western conference this year is a very tough conference. a western team that underestimates its opponents will likely go home early.

I think Boston is taking Atlanta for granted. Look at the 1st 2 games and tell me you wouldn't be as confident about beating the Hawks +10 points. I mean, total blowout guys in Boston. so heading to Atlanta, huge ego by Celtics. Same bout Pistons, where they are barely trying to keep up with their game.

As for the West, you can't underestimate anyone. Look at the Spurs 2 years ago, wiped out, giving Mavs the Western Conference. I mean, it's tough competition in the West, no arguing there. If Spurs were to underestimate the Lakers, they would be making the biggest mistake this season, because you are facing the top seed. San Antonio knows better, they have a lot of playoff experience.

I think you are absolutely right with all assumptions. I think they underestimated their opponents and now they are paying the price because they are playing teams that smell blood and are hungry for a win. Now either series could go 7 games! This is where home court could make a difference. As for the Spurs...they dominate because they are consistent and take every opponent seriously....So seriously, in fact, that it can be maddening to opposing fans. It looks so easy how Pop manipulates the game and manages the quarters that it seems cheap. Mainly i think the Spurs don't PANIC. If they are losing a game, they stay on a steady pace and try to shove defense, Tony and Manu down their throats. When that doesn't work, they chill and regroup.

Boston isn't taking Atlanta for granted. Atlanta is just executing very well especially down the stretch. Mike Woodson has coached these guys very well.

Detroit on the other hand has clearly underestimated Philadelphia. You would have thought that after game one where Rasheed Wallace goofed off with the 76ers during a team huddle and lost the game that the team would have learned their lesson. However, Chauncey Billups said prior to game 3 that this game isn't important...WHAT!!!

Then Philly goes on to blow them out and he wasn't available for comment directly after the game. Boston has not approached Atlanta like that. Atlanta is playing very well. Better than the Celtics right now.

I wonder why. Hehe. I think they really lost, and not taking their opponent lightly.

And many of the people here who post their answers said that some of the east teams do not deserve to be in the playoffs.

Think again.

The Hawks and Sixers just got lucky.

And the Spurs only dominate the playoffs because they pay off the refs.

atlanta look here

pg mike bibby/acie law

sg joe johnson /salim stoudamire

sf josh smith/

pf josh childress/marvin williams

c al horford/zaza dude

cuz atlanta is tottaly awesome and were gona win the seris babyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

the east sucks thats all u need to kno

THEY THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE EASIER THEN EXPECTED BUT ITS THE PLAYOFFS..