The NBA playoffs are wide open. The Lakers and Celtics seem vulnerable, with each going 5-5 down the stretch. No one expected the Bulls and Spurs to hold the top seeds in their respective conferences. And the Heat, Magic, Mavericks and Thunder have enough star power to make a title run. The parity in the league will make for an interesting first round. These are the best matchups:
No. 3 Mavericks vs. No. 6 Trail Blazers » This is the most likely first-round upset. The regular-season series was split, with Portland winning the last two contests. The Blazers have gone 16-9 since acquiring versatile forward Gerald Wallace from the Bobcats. Wallace and All-Star snub LaMarcus Aldridge, who averaged 27.8 points a game vs. Dallas this season, could give Dirk Nowitzki some problems. The Mavericks have some history of choking in the first round.
No. 4 Thunder vs. No.?5 Nuggets » Can a team without an All-Star win in the playoffs? History says no, but the new-look Nuggets have gone 18-7 since trading away Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. With a roster full of solid starters and quality role players, Denver is more unpredictable on offense than it has been since drafting Anthony in 2003. The Thunder have the more conventional roster with the leading scorer in the NBA (Kevin Durant) and an All-Star point guard (Russell Westbrook) to go along with a deep front line and solid bench.
No. 3 Celtics vs. No. 6 Knicks » Two of the most storied franchises. The highest scoring team in the conference vs. the team that allows the fewest points. An elite scoring power forward (Amar’e Stoudamire) against one of the best low-post defenders of his generation (Kevin Garnett). A four-time All-Star forward (Anthony) facing the nine-time All-Star he’s often compared to (Paul Pierce). The playoff savvy point guard known for taking big shots (Billups) taking on the young pass-first floor general (Rajon Rondo). Lots of storylines for a first-round matchup.
