NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Ranking the Best Projected First-Round Series

Unlike other sports, the NBA's first round isn't always particularly compelling. Sure, you'll occasionally get a crazy upset like the one last year, when the Memphis Grizzlies upset the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs, but generally chalk holds.

But this year, there are a handful of epic matchups you won't want to miss.

Luckily for you, I've identified those must-watch series'. Miss the following matchups at your own peril.

Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks

This one has more star power than the red carpet at the Academy Awards.

But the Knicks also have a legitimate shot in this series. They've been one of the hottest teams in the league coming down the stretch, with a 16-6 mark in the past 22 games, and have clearly responded to the system put into place by interim head coach, Mike Woodson.

Still, the Heat have a championship in mind, and a first-round exit would be devastating to the organization. LeBron James in particular can't afford another reason for detractors to apply the choker tag to his name.

Carmelo Anthony and company will give LeBron, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh a run for their money, but Miami will ultimately prevail in a series that may very well be the most exciting the first round has to offer.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks

You can't tell me you would miss this rematch of last season's Western Conference Finals, an epic series that was far more competitive that Dallas' five-game series win would suggest.

Could Dirk recapture the playoff magic from the year before? Are Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant ready to lead the Thunder to a championship, or will they be a disappointing one-and-done?

As first-round series go, it's unlikely you'll find a higher level of basketball being played than you'll get in this one. Ultimately, I think OKC will have their revenge in a hard-fought, lengthy series.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis pulled off the shocker of last year's postseason, upsetting the top-seeded Spurs in the first round.

The Clippers pulled off the heist of the offseason when they landed Chris Paul, turning Los Angeles into Lob City.

These two teams are fairly evenly matched squads, and a competitive series will only be made more compelling by the inevitable collection of Blake Griffin highlights it will produce.

But Griffin and the Clippers must prove they are something beyond just a fun team to watch in this series, and they'll take the first step to being a legitimate contender in the West when they take this series in seven games.

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