NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Epic First-Round Matchups That Will Go Seven

Well, the regular NBA season was nice and all, but I could really go for some hard-hitting playoff action right about now. 

Luckily, that is precisely what is coming—on the heels of some of the best regular season games of the year. 

The latest brouhaha from the Lakers and Thunder has me giddy for a postseason that will captivate from the very beginning. 

Here is a list of likely matchups that have all the ingredients of a seven-game slug fest. Of course, matchups are not yet finalized, but we can surely start the debate. 

For schedules—when they become available—you can check the official NBA page. 

No. 5 Memphis Grizzlies vs. No. 4 LA Clippers: 

This is a series I am eager to see, simply from the standpoint that both teams are highly physical and willing to battle in the paint. 

While the Clippers may own the series 2-1, the Grizzlies have the depth in the front court to make this a marathon series. 

Memphis will negate any advantage Blake Griffin has down low and force the Clippers to work for the boards, a guaranteed gritty classic. 

No. 7 NY Knicks vs. No. 2 Miami Heat: 

It may seem ridiculous—the Heat hold sway with a 3-0 season series advantage—but the Knicks were rarely healthy during those games. 

This is a much different Heat team since Mike Woodson took over, and Carmelo Anthony looks like his old self again. With Tyson Chandler in the mix, the Knicks look dangerous in a long series. 

No. 5 Atlanta Hawks vs. No. 4 Boston Celtics:

If we had to put money on a series going the distance, it would have to be this one. The Celtics continue to be an enigma because you can never tell how they will look week from week. 

These two clubs have been closely matched all season long. Boston owns the series 2-1, but the margin of victory hasn't exceeded 5 points. 

I sense an exhausting display in store for us all. 

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