The defending champion San Antonio Spurs come in as the #6 seed in the West, by far the toughest of the two conferences.  It will be an uphill climb for them to repeat as champions for the first time in franchise history.

Western Conference

#1 Golden State Warriors versus #8 New Orleans Pelicans

The emergence of Anthony Davis as a superstar will be the bright spot for the Pelicans, however Stephen Curry will continue his season-long hot streak from three-point land as the Warriors use this series as a warm up for bigger things to come.

Prediction: Warriors win 4-1.

#2 Houston Rockets versus #7 Dallas Mavericks

This intrastate rivalry gets the spotlight of a playoff series.  Rondo will try his hand at slowing down the offensive juggernaut that is James Harden.  Unfortunately for him and the Mavs, it won’t nearly enough.  The Rockets may eventually miss the defense of Patrick Beverely and a completely healthy Dwight Howard, but it won’t be in this series.

Prediction: Rockets win 4-2

#3 L.A.Clippers versus #6 San Antonio Spurs

When the Spurs lost the final game of the regular season thus falling to the number six seed in the West, there had to be a collective sigh from Clippers’ fans as they asked why us.  The Donald Sterling fiasco from last year’s playoffs finally behind them, the playoff waters seemed clear this year. Unfortunately, the Spurs may be the unavoidable iceberg this time.  The Spurs will try to repeat for the first time in their illustrious history, but CP3 may be ready to finally make a deep playoff run. This is my upset special.

Prediction: Clippers win 4-3

#4 Portland Trailblazers versus #5 Memphis Grizzlies

Both of these teams come in hobbled and the one that gets closer to healthy may have the better chance to move on.  The Grizzlies have home court despite being the lower seed of the two teams, however the appeal of Beale street won’t be enough to help the Grizzlies as Blazers point guard Damian Lillard reminds us all how good he actually is.

Prediction: Blazers win 4-2

Eastern Conference
#1 Atlanta Hawks versus #8 Brooklyn Nets
The Nets squeaked into the playoffs with a paltry regular season record of 38-42 while the Atlanta Hawks led the East all season long finishing at the top of the conference with a 60-22 mark. Fortunately for the Nets, every team starts the playoffs 0-0. The Hawks, who were dubbed Spurs-East this season with the way they shared the ball, have been criticized only for their lack of a superstar. Their four All-Stars will be plenty in this series.

Prediction: Hawks win 4-1.
#2 Cleveland Cavaliers versus #7 Boston Celtics
The Cavaliers have become the favorites to win the championship in some publications. It seems like it was a long time ago when there were questions about their coach, their chemistry and Kevin Love. They were the best team in the East for the second half of the season and winning has cured all ills so far. The Celtics have overachieved since trading Rajon Rondo away, with young players buying into their young coach Brad Stevens. Too bad for them that LeBron James and Kyrie Irvin play for the other team. Easy out.
Prediction: Cavaliers win 4-0.
#3 Chicago Bulls versus #6 Milwaukee Bucks
After being a defensive team for years, the Bulls have become an offensive team that runs through, not one-time franchise player Derrick Rose, but Pau Gasol. Gasol resurrected his career this season after leaving the Lakers, becoming an All-Star again and leading the team while Derrick Rose went through his annual bout with injuries. Bucks coach Jason Kidd has his young team in the playoffs without top draft pick Jabari Parker, who was lost for the season. Defense is the key for the Bucks, but they won’t be able to keep up with the Bulls in this series.
Prediction: Bulls win 4-1.

#4 Toronto Raptors versus #5 Washington Wizards
Possibly the most evenly-matched series on paper. The teams both ended the season with good records, despite slipping quite a bit during the second half of a long NBA season. The team that can find some consistency will find its way to the second round. This one could go the distance with home court playing a significant role in the end.
Prediction: Raptors win 4-3