NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Breaking Down Best Possible First-Round Matchups

In this fast-paced NBA season, the playoffs seem to have snuck up on us.

While most of the matchups are set, there are still a few things to sort out over the next couple of days. Until we know what every matchup is, we want to break down the best possible series. 

If you are a fan of potential upsets, this would be the year for you.

With 66 games in just over four months, a lot of teams are going to be dealing with injuries and stamina concerns that could hurt them in the second season. 

Here are the most intriguing possible first-round NBA playoff series. 

No. 1 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 8 Philadelphia 76ers

On paper, this one looks like a mismatch.

The Bulls have been the best team in the NBA since the start of the season, while the 76ers have faded down the stretch due to inconsistent play on the offensive side of the ball. 

Looks can be deceiving, especially with so much uncertainty surrounding the health of Derrick Rose. The Bulls are the more talented team, but the 76ers are one of the best defensive teams in the league and the Bulls struggle to score points even with Rose healthy. 

If the 76ers are able to break the impenetrable defensive wall and rebound the ball against the Bulls, they have enough talent to take down the East's best team in a seven-game series. 

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

Of all the possible matchups for the Lakers in the first round, the Grizzlies would be the worst one by far. 

In fact, the Grizzlies look like that team no one wants to face. They are young, athletic, strong defensively and have incredible balance on offense. Even though they don't average a lot of points, they have great scorers like Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol. 

The Lakers are an old team.

Los Angeles still has Kobe Bryant, who can do a lot of things on his own, but his supporting cast is lacking. They don't have a lot of versatility, especially if you are able to take Andrew Bynum out of the equation with early foul trouble. 

If it comes down to these two teams in the first round, the Grizzlies are going to defeat the Lakers in six games. 

No. 2 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 7 Dallas Mavericks

This matchup would be the unofficial passing of the torch, at least for a first-round series. 

The Thunder have been on the rise for a few years and it looks like their efforts are going to be rewarded with a deep postseason run this summer. 

On the flip side, last year's champions have struggled to find their footing all year. Dirk Nowitzki doesn't look as comfortable shooting as he usually does, and no one else really backs him up. And there was the whole mess with Lamar Odom. 

This could be the last time we see this particular Mavericks team in the postseason. It won't be a long run, but it will be one to savor if you like a lot of the aging stars they have in Big D. 

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