Its Time For The Show!

  The NBA Playoffs officially start tomorrow. Obviously the first round doesn't elicit overall excitement because some series just have a clear cut winner from the start. Then there are the other match ups that you can't ignore. What four do I think you should pay attention to? Let's explore. (Note: As the rounds progress I will preview/predict the key series)

(7) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (2) San Antonio Spurs

  Although I still have my reservations about LA and how everyone seems to suddenly be a supporter and rooting for them for what they "accomplished", I give them credit for not collapsing without Kobe although I'm not surprised. Dwight has always had the ability to be that dominant and we all already knew about Pau's versatile ability. The thing that makes this series interesting is the fact that though both teams have struggled with injuries this season, the Spurs have probably suffered the most from them down the stretch. Starting with Tony Parker spraining his ankle (and is now playing as a shell of his former MVP-caliber self) Ginobili's reoccurring injuries, losing Boris Diaw to season-halting back surgery, Stephen Jackson being waived, and Tim Duncan continuously aging (although he's still playing great ball), this is just not the same team I previously picked to meet Miami in the Finals. Nonetheless, when you're going up against Popovich and such a fundamentally trained and skilled as the Spurs you just can't count them out. Ginobili and Parker are both expected to play in this series and although they have gone just a mere 10-10 in their last 20 games, I think the Spurs will take this series in 6. I'm not saying the Lakers can't win because surely this new system they've implemented is effective for them, but history and experience is what I have to go with for this one. This will probably be the most dramatic series on the West Coast battling with OKC taking on the 8th seeded Rockets, former teammate James Harden's new team.

The 4's and 5's

  I think each conference has a great 4th and 5th seed match up. In the West there's the (4)Los Angeles Clippers vs. the (5) Memphis Grizzlies. These two teams met last year in the first round and the Clippers took the series in 7 games. However many say that LA wouldn't have won that series had Memphis not gotten content and blew a 27-point 4th quarter lead in game 1 at home! I am one of those people. Though this is surely a different Clippers team than last year, especially with the potential 6th man of the year Jamal Crawford on the roster, I still say Memphis has a great chance. I love Zach Randolph's versatility coupled with that of Marc Gasol's. These are two big men that can score from other places than just the low post. Mike Conley is a great guard when he's on his game and the defensive guru that Tony Allen is is sure to mix up things for LA. On the other hand we all know the greatness of Chris Paul. I see this series going to 6 though in favor of the Grizzlies. When the Playoffs start all of the Lob City hype and highlight dunks tend to decrease. 

  The (4)Brooklyn Nets take on the (5)Chicago Bulls in a series that I find interesting for perhaps the wrong reason. Although many like to call Chicago the "streak-busters" and surely they deserve credit for their perseverance through all of the adversity this season has brought upon them, I'm not sold. The Nets aren't always consistent either but I will say that if they can lock down and commit on the defensive end they will be the winners in 6 games. The Bulls problem is, and has always been since Rose went down, their lack of enough offense. Chicago will commit defensively and they won't back down from a challenge no doubt but if Brooklyn shuts off the little offense they do consistently get, its a wrap. Deron Williams and Joe Johnson make for a dangerous backcourt when they are on it and Brooke Lopez is amazing down low. Neither team has showed me enough to hands down give it to either one of them so it can go both ways. I will be interested in seeing how the Bulls take on this series because this isn't just a case of beating a team any given night as the regular season is. This is win or go home and you've got 4 shots at it. 

(2)New York Knicks vs. (7)Boston Celtics

  This, in my opinion, is the best first round series of them all this year. The seed number can't even heavily be factored into the equation. One thing Boston has that trumps that of any team in this league is heart. When they start feeling that pride, they transcend themselves to do things that everyone counted them out for. In addition, I think the Boston Marathon tragedy can easily serve as fuel for them to bring life back into the city. There is no denying that Carmelo Anthony is playing outstanding basketball and can get it done from anywhere on the court. J.R. Smith is a sure candidate for 6th man of the Year with some even calling him the favorite. KG against Tyson Chandler will be interesting to watch down low because if nothing else, regardless of if the man is bigger or taller, no one can out due the pride of Kevin Garnett. Chandler isn't 100% healthy right now and Melo has been tussling with a lingering knee issue in addition to a recent a shoulder injury. This will be the most physical series of this round which makes it even more possible to go either way. If it's close, like beyond 6 games, I'd have to go with Boston. The superior coaching of Doc Rivers doesn't even belong in the same sentence as that of Mike Woodson (no knock on him though). If New York is gonna get it done it has to be in 6 or less. I don't even see a sweep happening although I'm sure Melo would love to avenge that Boston sweep the Knicks endured in 2011. One thing is for sure: the pressure is on for Melo whether he wants to admit it or not. Losing in the first round again will undoubtedly take a huge shot to is legacy. It's going to get hot in New York ladies and gentlemen!

Let the drama begin. Here's the full first round series schedule: NBA Playoff Games