NBA Playoffs 2012: Projected 1st-Round Matchups Guaranteed to Steal the Show

Although every team has a game or two remaining in the regular season, most of the NBA playoff matchups are set or close to it. Some slight movement is still possible, but it wouldn't be a stretch to call a few of them virtual locks, and if they are any indication of what is to come, this year's postseason should be fantastic.

There are sure to be some intriguing series as the playoffs move forward, but the first round is always of great interest since you never know what might happen. Many of the series could go either way, and there is plenty of upset potential as well. So if you're a fan of the NBA, you certainly won't want to miss any of the action.

Here are three likely first-round matchups that are guaranteed to steal the show in this year's playoffs.

Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks

Although the New York Knicks were unable to beat the Miami Heat during the regular season, the Heat can't be particularly thrilled with a potential first-round matchup against the Knickerbockers.

New York has been playing much better since head coach Mike D'Antoni was canned in favor of Mike Woodson, and Carmelo Anthony has been playing like the elite player he is. On top of that, Amar'e Stoudemire has returned to the lineup, and the Knicks have a ton of depth as they can easily go 10 men deep off the bench.

As for the Heat, it's all about LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Miami has some decent depth in its own right, but this matchup will come down to the Heat's big three against Melo and his ample supporting cast.

Both teams are great offensively so there should be plenty of shootouts in this series. The Heat will be favored to come out on top, and they will in all likelihood; but it certainly won't be a walk in the park for one of the title favorites.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks

What a difference a year makes as the roles will be reversed when the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks meet in the playoffs this season, should the standings remain firm.

Last season the Mavs knocked off the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals and went on to win the NBA Championship. This season, however, the Mavericks appear to be an aging team on the decline, while the Thunder are the present and future of the Western Conference and will be favored as the No. 2 seed.

Dallas shouldn't be written off completely, though, as it has players with a wealth of big-game experience such as Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and Jason Terry. The Mavericks won't be an easy out, but Oklahoma City has plenty of firepower in its own right.

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook may be the best backcourt duo in basketball, while big man Serge Ibaka is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate who could make life difficult for Nowitzki. This series may signal a passing of the torch, but Dallas won't give it up without a fight.

Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks

Back in 2008, the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks did battle in one of the most surprising and entertaining first-round series in recent memory. The heavily-favored Celtics held on to win in seven games, but the Hawks seemed to take them by surprise as they started an impressive run of postseason appearances.

It looks as if the Celtics and Hawks will go at it once again in the first round this season, but with the C's holding the No. 4 seed and the Hawks sitting at No. 5, most will be expecting this one to be closely contested.

The Celtics have the experience advantage with their big three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, but the Hawks have played in plenty of big games over the past few seasons as well.

Atlanta doesn't have many more chances to break through, in all likelihood, with Josh Smith possibly in his second last season with the team.

The Hawks may push this one to seven games again, but Boston's veterans and the play of point guard Rajon Rondo will allow the Celtics to narrowly escape again.