Author: Ryan Graff
The first round of the NBA playoffs are underway, and they are proving that the race to the championships will be competitive to the bitter end. The playoffs include the top 16 teams in the NBA in their quest to keep the championship dream alive.
Representing the eastern conference in order of seed are the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers. Likewise, the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trailblazers, New Orleans Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies represent the western conference.
While all the teams had impressive seasons to earn playoff berths, they are all chasing the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers.
The top seeds have dominated the eastern conference so far, as they have taken command of their respective series. The number one seed in both the eastern conference and the playoffs overall is the Bulls, who will have home court advantage for their entire playoffs. They currently have a 3-1 lead in their series against the eight seed Pacers.
The three seed Celtics swept the six seed Knicks in four straight games. They are a favorite to go far in the playoffs due to a veteran roster and historical playoff experience.
Another top contender in the east is the Miami Heat. Led by their three all-star players — LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh — the Heat have taken a 3-1 series lead over the 76ers.
The closest match-up in the east so far is the series between the four seed Magic and the five seed Hawks. The Hawks currently have a 3-1 lead and boast more weapons than Orlando. Dwight Howard has carried the Magic, and the team’s true test will be his supporting cast stepping up and contributing to his consistency.
In contrast to the east, the western conference has been highly contested. The one seed Spurs are currently trailing the eight seed Grizzlies 3-1 in what has proven to be an upset series so far. As usual, the Spurs were expected to do really well in the playoffs this year. Many believe that the Spurs are one of the few teams who can edge out the Lakers.
The two seed Lakers began their title defense with a tough loss to the seven seed Hornets but the series is now tied at 2-2. The three seed Mavericks are up 3-2 against the six seed Trailblazers and have had a highly competitive series.
The most lopsided series in the west thus far is the series between the four seed Thunder and the five seed Nuggets. Thunder have come on strong and currently hold a 3-0 lead over the floundering Nuggets.
As the playoffs continue, there will certainly be more intense match-ups and nail-biting games. The teams will settle into a groove and buckle down for the long journey that is the playoffs. It will be exciting to see which two teams last the longest and have a chance to make it all they way to June and compete for an NBA title.
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