WESTERN CONFERENCE

Golden State Warriors (1st) vs New Orleans Pelicans (8th)

MVP candidates Steph Curry and Anthony Davis come up against each other in the first round after contrasting regular seasons. The Warriors got out front and led right the way through the season while the Pelicans languished for a while before coming on late to snatch the final playoff spot from the OKC Thunder. Steve Kerr and his defensively-rejuvenated Warriors are expected to go at least to the Conference Finals, but the Pelicans are not to be taken lightly particularly if Anthony Davis and Eric Gordon have anything to say about it.

Series: 1-0

Memphis Grizzlies (4th) vs Portland Trailblazers (5th)

The fact that the Grizzlies are fourth shouldn’t mislead anyone, as they are one of the best and perhaps the most-rounded team in the NBA. The one-two Trailblazer punch of Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge will have to play their heart out, particularly with Wesley Matthews missing. The Trailblazers’ defence has been surprisingly good, but Memphis’ defensive acumen is for real with Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph on, and that is expected.

Series: 0-0

Houston Rockets (2nd) vs Dallas Mavericks (7th)

The Rockets won the four-game regular season match-up 3-1 against the Mavericks, however, this might be slightly deceptive. The Mavericks, like their Texan neighbours the Spurs, are a playoff team. MVP hopeful James Harden alongside Dwight Howard versus Rajon Rondo and Dirk Nowitzki of the Mavs will be the story. That being said, the crucial difference might be the disparity between the defences, with Houston’s being significantly better.

Series: 1-0

LA Clippers (3rd) vs San Antonio (6th)

The Clippers have an air of flattering to deceive. As said before, the Spurs are a playoff team. Most are predicting a Spurs win. However, MVP candidate Chris Paul is the best point guard (or second best, depending on whether you’re a Warriors fan or not) in the league and Doc Rivers’ second-year team is growing into its own. Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan make for a brilliant inside, however, Jordan’s poor shooting at the line might have a role to play. As always, there’s nothing to be said about the Spurs that you haven’t heard before. Gregg Popovich. Deep bench. Tony Parker and Tim Duncan.

Series: 0-0

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlanta Hawks (1st) vs Brooklyn Nets (8th)

The Eastern matchups are generally more predictable and this is the perfect example of that. Even with Thabo Sefolosha out of the season, the Hawks quite clearly have the defensive and offensive advantage. The Hawks swept the regular season series 4-0, with three of those being by double-digit margins. We could see a repeat of that score line.

Series: 0-0

Cleveland Cavaliers (2nd) vs Boston Celtics (7th)

The most individually talented team in the NBA comes up against the team where the individual talent is hard to spot. With Rajon Rondo traded, it falls to Evan Turner and Isaiah Thomas to lead the David v Goliath battle against Irving, James, and Love. A sweep would not at all be surprising.

Series: 1-0

Chicago Bulls (3rd) vs Milwaukee Bucks (6th)

The Bulls really ought to win this matchup easily, but it is not hard to see this series going all the way. The Bucks have consistently surprised teams, and despite losing the regular season series 3-1, the Bucks gave the Bulls a run for their money. The Bucks are strong in defense and have athleticism for days, but Pau Gasol et al really ought to secure a Bulls win.

Series: 1-0

Toronto Raptors (4th) vs Washington Wizards (5th)

The closest match-up in the East comes unsurprisingly with the fourth versus fifth series. The Raptors led the conference for almost the entirety of the pre-Christmas period, but since then have been unable to re-attain that surprising form. It will be John Wall versus Kyle Lowry in a battle of point guards, while DeMar DeRozan needs to start being big for his team again. However, the Wizards have already stolen one at the Air Canada Centre with a 93-86 victory in Game 1, giving them the edge going forward.  

Series: 0-1