NBA Playoffs 2012 Predictions: 5 1st-Round Matchups We Want to See

The beginning of the NBA playoffs are right around the corner, and there's still a lot of basketball to be played before the postseason gets underway.

The next three weeks, a lot can happen to determine playoff positioning and potential matchups along the way. There's a very good chance that we could see some potentially great first-round playoff series if things fall the right way for a few teams the rest of the way.

Here's a look at some potentially great first-round matchups we would love to see.

No. 2 Miami Heat vs. No. 7 New York Knicks

This matchup could ignite a once-great rivalry, and if the Knicks can get healthy by the time the playoffs begin, it could turn into a great series filled with star power.

If the Knicks get into the playoffs and continue to commit to playing defense, they are capable of upsetting the Heat. Of course, they have to make up 2.5 games in the standings before the end of the season, but if they do, then this series could be great.

It's not quite Jeff Van Gundy hanging off Alonzo Mourning's leg, but should be great nonetheless.

No. 4 Boston Celtics vs. No. 5 Orlando Magic

One last run for Boston's Big Three could land them a first-round date with an old playoff foe in the Magic. This one is currently set up to take place since Boston has taken over the Atlantic Division lead.

If the seeds hold true, Boston and Orlando could be set up for another excellent series.

No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 6 Dallas Mavericks

If the defending champs want to have a chance at repeating, they will have to likely go through the Lakers once again this season.

A lot of questions could get answered in this one, most importantly finding out if the Lakers have one more run in them. We will find out in a couple weeks what type of impact point guard Ramon Sessions has on the Lakers offense and what the Mavericks will do to counteract the Lakers' length.

No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No 8 Denver Nuggets

Denver would be the No. 7 seed if the playoffs started today, but everything is so close in the West that seeding almost changes on a daily basis.

If you are a fan of up-tempo offensive basketball, this could be the series for you, as it features the two highest scoring teams in the NBA. This would certainly be fun to watch.

No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers vs. No. 5 Memphis Grizzlies

It will be interesting to see if the talented Grizzlies can build off last season's postseason success. It will also be interesting to see if Lob City will translate to playoff success.

There's a ton of talent on display in this potential matchup, with the winner likely getting Oklahoma City in the second round, and we all know how thrilling last season's second-round seven-game series between the Thunder and Grizzlies was.