The Boston Celtics are the first team in the NBA to clinch a playoff spot and are the favorites to win the East. But am I sold on the Celtics to win? Absolutely not.

But why? They are the best defensive team in the league. Garnett, Pierce, and Allen are tearing up the league and have been dominant all season. Rajon Rondo has developed so quickly this year it has been shocking.

So why should they not be the favorites given all the amazing stats and players they have? Look to the guys that have done well: Detroit and Cleveland. As far as playoff toughness is concerned, both of these teams are as good as it gets in the East. They have been frightfully consistent in the postseason last 2 years, each winning 4 playoff series in those last 2 years. Detroit has the best overall starting 5 in the NBA, from Billups on down to Maxiell. And their bench is pretty solid as well, with McDyess and Hunter along with Stuckey to put some points in the basket.

As for Cleveland, Lebron is not alone this year. Ilgauskas is having an incredible year, and should put up even better numbers with Wallace out on the floor. Delonte West has been solid at the point so far, and not to mention that this team has not played a game with everyone together. They are in contention for the 3 spot despite all their injuries. When Pavlovic and Daniel Gibson come back (be afraid Detroit and Boston fans), Mike Brown will have 11, that's right, 11 solid players to go to including the starting 5. Among them are shooters, rebounders, defenders, and energy guys. Brown might be salivating about his possiblities.

But as of right now, the East goes through Boston. But they really haven't proven too much to me. Although they've convincingly beaten the Pistons twice in a row, they barely beat the Cavs twice. Boston is 1-2 when James plays. That's a concern, and I'm sure Detroit and Boston don't want Lebron to go off again. He is the ultimate x-factor in the east. And as far as the Celtics are concerned, only the Big Three has real playoff experience, and none of them have been to the NBA Finals. But the Pistons and Cavaliers have, so the experience of their parts far outweighs the Celtics. Maybe it's just being homerish, but something tells me the Celtics won't be in the Finals this year.