The regular season is over and done and playoff basketball is finally here. The first round features eight 7-game series before the field is shrunk to eight teams. With the postseason getting underway, here’s a look at the five most intriguing match-ups of the first round:
5. East: Chicago Bulls (3) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (6)
For the first time in three seasons, Derrick Rose will take the court for a playoff game as the Chicago Bulls take on perhaps the league’s biggest bunch of overachievers in the Milwaukee Bucks. Head coach Jason Kidd will be making his playoff debut as a coach for Milwaukee. Rose, who went down in the Bulls’ 2012 playoff opener against the Philadelphia 76ers with a knee injury that has hampered his career, will be matched up with last season’s Rookie of the Year in Michael Carter-Williams. Chicago will look to utilize its size as Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson will be a tough trio to match for the Bucks. Milwaukee is deep with six players who averaged in double-figures scoring during the regular season.
4. West: Portland Trail Blazers (4) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (5)
If you’re into talented big men and hard-nosed defense, this is the series for you. Memphis features the duo of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, who have the ability to score inside or stretch the floor. The same can be said for Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge, who is complemented by bangers, Chris Kaman and Robin Lopez. The series however, could come down to guard play as banged up Mike Conley and Tony Allen will look to find a way to slow Portland’s Damian Lillard. Since being acquired from Boston, Jeff Green has averaged better than 13 points for the Grizzlies.
3. West: Golden State Warriors (1) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (8)
Few are giving the New Orleans Pelicans much of a chance against the NBA’s best team during the regular season, but watching Anthony Davis and Stephen Curry go back and forth is must-see TV for basketball fans. Under Steve Kerr, the Warriors have done just about everything right this year and have shown very few weaknesses. Golden State can score, defend and is deep. While the guard combo of Curry and Klay Thompson will steal the headlines, New Orleans has a pretty duo in its own right in Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday. While 3-point shooting is Golden State’s forte, the Pelicans will need to be able to stretch the floor to make this an interesting series.
BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 14: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against Marcus Thornton #4 of the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on November 14, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
2. East: Cleveland Cavaliers (2) vs. Boston Celtics (7)
LeBron James’ first playoff series in his return to Cleveland will come against the franchise that eliminated him and ended his first stint with the Cavaliers. Boston may not have a “Big 3” as it did back then, but under second-year Brad Stevens, the Celtics have made huge strides thanks to the emergence of young players like Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk and Tyler Zeller. Boston actually got better after trading off talented veterans in Jeff Green and Rajon Rondo. For the Cavaliers, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love will both be making their postseason debuts. Cleveland will be big favorites not only to win the series, but the Eastern Conference as well. How they handle a hot, young team with nothing to lose in the first round will certainly be interesting.
1. West: Los Angeles Clippers (3) vs. San Antonio Spurs (6)
The most compelling match-ups of the first round pits one of the NBA’s most exciting teams against the defending world champions. Both teams like to push the basketball, but the Clippers do it with more pizazz as Chris Paul and the high-flying frontcourt of DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin look to make a major statement early in the playoffs. The Clippers’ athletic frontcourt will look to slow down arguably the greatest power forward of all-time in 5-time world champion Tim Duncan. The point guard match-up between Paul and Tony Parker will certainly be one to watch as will the showdown of 6th men in San Antonio’s Manu Ginobili and L.A.’s Jamal Crawford. Looking to slow down Crawford and sharp-shooting J.J. Redick will be Kahwi Leonard, who also happens to be the reigning NBA Finals MVP and the Spurs’ leading scorer.