Oh yeah, it’s finally here.   It’s the NBA playoffs, baby.  It’s a time of excitement as we watch the most interesting matchups between basketball’s finest.   It is also a time of frustration, as we become too distracted by games to focus on our pending college finals. Could there be a crueler time to have such a compelling event?

This is the time of the year when basketball’s drama comes full circle.  The infamous creation of the Big Three in Miami, the blockbuster trade that brought a disgruntled star to New York, and the rise of a young legend in Chicago—the face of the next generation in basketball—these are the stories that will culminate into a wild and satisfying finish.

Will the Spurs and the Bulls keep their momentum of being the best teams in the league and dominate the competition?  Perhaps the Lakers will overcome their late-season swoon and dominate once again, playing spoiler for an East team that will undoubtedly fight hard to get to the Finals?  Or will an underdog, like Memphis or New York, make it to the Finals?  Let’s take a look at some interesting first round matchups.

New York Knicks (6) vs.  Boston Celtics (3):

The Knicks have made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2004, while the Celtics have become playoff veterans in recent years.  The key to this matchup is the Knicks’ defense.  In recent weeks, Mike D’Antoni’s crew has demonstrated the ability to score at will, even against  the Celtics.  Without Kendrick Perkins and with a pair of unhealthy O’Neals, the Knicks have an opportunity to rip through the Celtics’ paint defense.  However, the Knicks also give up almost as many points as they score.  Can Amar’e & Co. tighten the porous defense?  If so, New York could upset Boston and make it to the second round for the first time since 2000.

Miami Heat (2) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (7):

This matchup might be more lopsided than Heat doubters would like to believe. It will be interesting nevertheless to see how LeBron James performs in a Miami uniform during the heat of a  close playoff game.  In a sense, LeBron has less pressure on him this year than in past years: he’s no longer the saving grace of a franchise and has veteran All Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to support him.  At the same time, he has to show to the world that the move to South Beach was worth all the hype and acrimony, which will no doubt add some additional pressure to win.  LeBron has no choice but to bring his best game—not just for a championship, but also to save face.

San Antonio Spurs (1) vs.  Memphis Grizzlies (8): 

You’d think this would be a done deal, right?  The Spurs had the best record in the league for a majority of the season, while the Grizzlies barely made it into the playoffs.   But that’s exactly why they play the games before crowning the team.   The Spurs’ All Star guard Manu Ginobili hurt his elbow right before the playoffs and will likely not be at full strength—if he plays at all.  That, combined with some luck and good play by Memphis, could result in an upset that would significantly alter the course of the Western conference playoffs.

Denver Nuggets (5) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (4)

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.   Are they the new MJ and Pippen, or are they just pretenders?  They face a surprising challenge in the Denver Nuggets. Despite losing stars Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, this bunch of nuggets is playing with passion and winning games.  This matchup will boil down to sheer willpower and experience. Nerves will be tested and one side will falter.  Question is, who wants it more?