College basketball is over, spring is here, and it’s officially time for NBA playoff basketball. The first round match-ups are locking down. Let’s start with the Eastern Conference and see which teams are lining up and early picks for the favorites.

Miami Heat (1) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (8)
This one will probably start and ugly for the Bucks. This is a team that COULD pull one or two upset games and COULD get blown out in four straight. Four things will have to happen for Milwaukee to have any chance: 1. Jennings/Ellis/Reddick learn how to play at peak performance when all three are on the floor. 2. Larry Sanders dominates Chris Bosh 3. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is healthy 4. LeBron James has a Tiger Woods (i.e. hundreds of hookers/porn stars/Real World cast members come forward) type meltdown. VERY likely none of these four items will occur, EVER.
Prediction: Heat over Bucks, 4-0

New York Knicks (2) vs. Boston Celtics (7)
IF the Knicks continue to play as they have during their current streak they will easily dispose of the C’s. However, should they slip or succumb to age/injury expect Boston to make this a series. Garnett and Pierce are coming back and are always ready to battle in the playoffs. Also, should be fun to have a series where the average age of both teams appears to be 37.8 years of age.
Prediction: Knicks over Celtics, 4-2

Indiana Pacers (3) vs. Atlanta Hawks (6)
I always seem to underrate the Pacers and overrate the Hawks. Not this time (even if I still want to).
Prediction: Pacers over Hawks, 4-1

New Jersey Nets (4) vs. Chicago Bulls (5)
Outside of Washington and New York, the New Jersey Nets have quietly put together an nice second half to their season. It’s obvious that Avery Johnson’s coaching style didn’t mesh with the team (specifically Deron Williams) and P.J. has corrected the course. Without Derrick Rose, the Chicago Bulls are the forgotten team. Guess what? That changes this off-season and will begin in the first round. Crazy Prediction: Carlos Boozer will decide at least one game in a positive way – CRAZY!
Prediction (UPSET SPECIAL!): Bulls over Nets, 4-2

We continue our NBA Playoff matchup preview with the Western conference. If you thought the East had some intriguing first round matchups then you are going to love this!

San Antonio Spurs* (1) vs. Los Angeles Lakers / Utah Jazz (8)
So this is also the most unknown of matchups. Both the Spurs and Thunder are fighting for number one while the Lakers and Jazz are playing for the final playoff spot. Assuming the Spurs make it you really can’t go wrong with either the Lakers or Jazz; however, if it’s the Thunder you have to root for L.A. to sneak in, right? Why do I feel dirty now?
Prediction: Spurs over Jazz, 4-1

Oklahoma City Thunder* (2) vs. Houston Rockets (7)
Holy shit is this a great series. If you love old-school run-the-court basketball this one will have it all. Have to believe Houston is too young to do any real damage, but how interesting does LINSANITY 2.0 sound? Pretty fucking interesting if you ask me.
Prediction: Thunder over Rockets, 4-1

Denver Nuggets (3) vs. Golden State Warriors (6)
Over the course of the season Denver has continued to prove me wrong. They are a great team. BUT, I think they are a great regular season team. George Karl has had limited success in the playoffs and he’s not going to like to hear this.
Prediction (UPSET SPECIAL!): Warriors over Nuggets, 4-2

Memphis Grizzlies (4) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (5)
Holy shit is this a great series. Wait, already said that? Still applies. The Western conference is loaded with awesome first round matchups. This one is going seven and will have a lot of drama. Maybe even a brawl…fingers crossed.
Prediction: Clippers over Grizzlies, 4-3

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David S. Grant is an author of several books, rock columnist, travel writer, and NBA blogger. Follow David on Twitter: .david_s_grant