NBA Playoffs TV Schedule: Breaking Down Best Round 1 Matchups

The weekend can't come quickly enough as some amazing NBA matchups will take place as a raucous first round unfolds. 

We are on the cusp of the brilliant marathon session known as the NBA playoffs, but it will take a great deal for it to live up to an amazing regular season. 

There have been so many great stories and flourishing teams, that it's rather remarkable when you consider it was once mired in a strike. 

The turnaround has been enlightening, proving that the NBA can still bring the best in sports entertainment. Here is a breakdown of the best that looms ahead of us. 

Here are some caveats.

First, some of these matchups may change in the final throes of the games, but this is our best estimation of what to expect. 

Second, the schedules for this weekend will not be released until the final buzzer of the regular season.

At that time, you can likely find the schedule at ESPN here or the official page at NBA.com here. 

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

The Heat have dominated the regular-season series, but there is a great many reasons to be hopeful that this one goes six or seven games. 

First, the Knicks were never at full strength during their meetings, suffering untimely injuries through a good portion of the season. 

Under Mike Woodson, the Knicks have become a far better team that has featured Carmelo Anthony once again taking over.

New York exudes confidence, making this a matchup the Heat should be wary of. 

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

The seeding in the west continue to be fluid, but this a series I am eager to tune into. The Clippers are an exciting squad that can get as hot as any contender. 

However, you have to like the Grizzlies' chances in a seven-game series. They have the paint presence and size to negate players like Blake Griffin down low. 

Expect a tough and chippy series that will be hard to tear away from. This will be a physical battle that will bring both squads to near exhaustion. 

3. No. 6 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 3 LA Lakers

The Lakers hardly dodged a bullet by getting the Denver Nuggets in the first round. They have the toughest road of any contender, but have an even more trying time in the wake of Metta World Peace's suspension. 

The Lakers hold regular-season sway with a 3-1 record, but much of that advantage goes away with their defender now being suspended seven games. 

MWP was adept at locking up the likes of Danilo Gallinari, and the Lakers will now suffer even more issues with bench depth. 

This may have been a five-game series for the Lakers, but is now far more uncertain. 

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