NBA Playoff Bracket: Your Definitive Matchup Guide to the Postseason

The NBA regular season came to a close Thursday night. In the blink of an eye, the postseason begins on Saturday with four matchups, followed by another slate of four games to be played on Sunday.

After this weekend, the playoffs will be in full swing with very little time to figure who has the edge in each individual matchup.

Have no fear, though; I have you covered, as here is your complete matchup guide to each and every first-round playoff series.

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

Season Series: Chicago 2-1

Series Schedule:

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Game 1 - Sat. April 28, Philadelphia at Chicago, 1 p.m., TNT
Game 2 - Tue. May 1, Philadelphia at Chicago, 8 p.m., TNT
Game 3 - Fri. May 4, Chicago at Philadelphia, 8 p.m., ESPN
Game 4 - Sun. May 6, Chicago at Philadelphia, 1 p.m., ABC
Game 5 * Tue. May 8, Philadelphia at Chicago, TBD
Game 6 * Thu. May 10, Chicago at Philadelphia, TBD
Game 7 * Sat. May 12, Philadelphia at Chicago, TBD, TNT

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Offense/Defense Rankings (points per 100 possessions)

Chicago: offense 104.5 (fifth in NBA), defense 95.3 (first in NBA) 

Philadelphia: offense 103.9 (20^th in NBA), defense 96.6 (third in NBA) 

Series Preview

It’s a matchup of the best two defensive teams in the NBA in terms of points against (Bulls 88.2, Sixers 89.3). Chicago not only has Derrick Rose back, but its starting five intact, something it hasn't been able to say for most of the season.

The Sixers have talent but limped into the playoffs after the All-Star break. At the end of the day, the Bulls are just too talented and too deep.

Series Prediction: Bulls in five

No. 2 Miami Heat vs. No. 7 New York Knicks

Season Series: Heat 3-0

Series Schedule:

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Game 1 - Sat. April 28, New York at Miami, 3:30 p.m., ABC/R
Game 2 - Mon. April 30, New York at Miami, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 3 - Thu. May 3, Miami at New York, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 4 - Sun. May 6, Miami at New York, 3:30 p.m., ABC/R
Game 5 * Wed. May 9, New York at Miami, TBD
Game 6 * Fri. May 11, Miami at New York, TBD
Game 7 * Sun. May 13, New York at Miami, TBD

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Offense/Defense Rankings (points per 100 possessions)

Miami: offense 104.3 (sixth); defense 97.1 (fourth)

New York: offense 101.4 (19th); defense 98.4 (fifth)

Series Preview

This could be the best first-round series. It’s filled with intrigue, especially since all eyes will be on Miami’s LeBron James in his attempt to get a ring.

New York has the talent to beat Miami in this series. If the Knicks can take one of Miami’s Big Three out of each game, then they have a chance. The Heat don’t have good enough depth to compete if LeBron, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh aren’t clicking.

The Knicks have gone 18-6 under Mike Woodson, and Carmelo Anthony is playing better than anyone in the NBA right now, averaging 29.7 points per game in the month of April.

Having said that, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Knicks get swept. If Steve Novak and J.R. Smith are knocking down shots, the Knicks have a better than fighter's chance. Home-court advantage could play a role as the Heat are 28-5 at home, but I’m going out on a limb and calling upset.

Series Prediction: Knicks in seven

No. 3 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 6 Orlando Magic

Season Series: Magic 3-1

Series Schedule:

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Game 1 - Sat. April 28, Orlando at Indiana, 7 p.m., ESPN
Game 2 - Mon. April 30, Orlando at Indiana, 7:30 p.m., NBA TV
Game 3 - Wed. May 2, Indiana at Orlando, 7:30 p.m., NBA TV
Game 4 - Sat. May 5, Indiana at Orlando, 2 p.m., ESPN
Game 5 * Tue. May 8, Orlando at Indiana, TBD
Game 6 * Fri. May 11, Indiana at Orlando, TBD
Game 7 * Sun. May 13, Orlando at Indiana, TBD

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Offense/Defense Rankings (points per 100 possessions)

Indiana: offense 103.5 (eighth); defense 104.4 (10th)

Orlando: offense 102.4 (14th); defense 101.7 (13th)

Series Preview

There’s not much here, as the injuries to Dwight Howard and Hedo Turkoglu severely limit the Magic’s chances of winning the series. Indiana is too deep and talented and shouldn’t have a problem getting by.

If the Magic come out shooting unconscious from behind the arc, then they may have a chance to win a game or two, but I don’t see them accomplishing more than that.

Series Prediction: Pacers in five

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

Season Series: Celtics 2-1

Series Schedule:

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Game 1 - Sun. April 29, Boston at Atlanta, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 2 - Tue. May 1, Boston at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m., NBA TV
Game 3 - Fri. May 4, Atlanta at Boston, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2
Game 4 - Sun May 6, Atlanta at Boston, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 5 * Tue. May 8, Boston at Atlanta, TBD
Game 6 * Thu. May 10, Atlanta at Boston, TBD
Game 7 * Sat. May 12, Boston at Atlanta, TBD, TNT

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Offense/Defense Rankings (points per 100 possessions)

Hawks: offense 102.4 (14th in NBA); defense 98.6 (sixth in NBA)

Celtics: offense 98.9 (24th in NBA); defense 95.5 (second in NBA)

Series Preview

Despite being the higher seed, the Hawks hold home-court advantage, which could play a difference.

The Hawks turned into more of a balanced team throughout the season and can win playing small ball. This season Atlanta slowed down and played more of a defensive game (sixth in defensive efficiency) and relied upon half-court execution. They have multiple scorers and can force turnovers and quickly turn those into points. 

But Boston may be the best defensive team in the NBA after the All-Star break. During that span, Rajon Rondo may be the best point guard in the NBA. The Celtics win games based on a stiff defensive effort and just enough offense to get by.

Scoring on the Celtics is tough but the Hawks have struggled more than most scoring on Boston, averaging 11 points fewer than their season average (96.6 PPG). That is how Boston will win this series.

Series Prediction: Celtics in six

No. 1 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 8 Utah Jazz

Season Series: Spurs 3-1

Series Schedule:

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Game 1 - Sun. April 29, Utah at San Antonio, 1 p.m. ET, ESPN
Game 2 - Wed. May 2, Utah at San Antonio, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 3 - Sat. May 5, San Antonio at Utah, 10 p.m., TNT
Game 4 - Mon. May 7, San Antonio at Utah, TBD
Game 5 * Wed. May 9, Utah at San Antonio, TBD
Game 6 * Fri. May 11, San Antonio at Utah, TBD
Game 7 * Sun. May 13, Utah at San Antonio, TBD

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Offense/Defense Rankings (points per 100 possessions)

San Antonio: offense 108.5 (first); defense 100.6 (11th)

Utah: offense 103.7 (seventh); defense 103.6 (20th)

Series Preview

The Spurs are the better team in every aspect of the game. Utah’s frontcourt of Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson should allow the Jazz to steal one, probably at home. While the Spurs lost in the same situation last year as the No. 1 seed, this Spurs team is better and Utah isn’t quite as good as that Memphis team.

Tony Parker is having an MVP-type season and he will be a big reason why the Spurs advance.

Series Prediction: Spurs in five

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

Season Series: Thunder 3-1

Series Schedule:

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Game 1 - Sat. April 28, Dallas at Oklahoma City, 9:30 p.m., ESPN 
Game 2 - Mon. April 30, Dallas at Oklahoma City, 9:30 p.m., TNT 
Game 3 - Thu. May 3, Oklahoma City at Dallas, 9:30 p.m., TNT 
Game 4 - Sat. May 5, Oklahoma City at Dallas, 7:30 p.m., TNT/R 
Game 5 * Mon. May 7, Dallas at Oklahoma City, TBD 
Game 6 * Thu. May 10, Oklahoma City at Dallas, TBD 
Game 7 * Sat. May 12, Dallas at Oklahoma City ,TBD, TNT

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Offense/Defense Rankings (points per 100 possessions)

Thunder: offense 107.1 (second in NBA), defense 100.0 (ninth in NBA)

Mavericks: offense 101.0 (20^th in NBA), defense 99.7 (eighth in NBA) 

Series Preview

The defending champs won’t go down without a fight and match up very well against the Thunder. The Mavs have experience and a star like Dirk Nowitzki to lean on. In the end, the loss of Tyson Chandler will be felt and the Thunder have too much talent with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

Add to that the interior defense of Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka plus home-court advantage, and the Thunder should prevail.

Series Prediction: Thunder in seven

No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 6 Denver Nuggets

Season Series: Lakers 3-1

Series Schedule:

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Game 1 - Sun. April 29, Denver at L.A. Lakers, 3:30 p.m., ABC/R
Game 2 - Tue. May 1, Denver at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3 - Fri May 4, L.A. Lakers at Denver, 10:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 4 - Sun. May 6, L.A. Lakers at Denver, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 5 * Tue. May 8, Denver at L.A. Lakers, TBD
Game 6 * Thu. May 10, L.A. Lakers at Denver, TBD
Game 7 * Sat. May 12, Denver at L.A. Lakers, TBD, TNT

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Offense/Defense Rankings (points per 100 possessions)

Lakers: offense 103.3 (10th); defense 101.7 (13th)

Nuggets: offense 106.5 (third); defense 103.4 (19th)

Series Preview

The Lakers have the best frontcourt in the game in Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, and one of its best players in Kobe Bryant.

Talent-wise, the Lakers are superior. But the Nuggets have been playing excellent team basketball to end the season, finishing the season winning six of seven and eight of their last 10 games.

Tempo will be the key to this series. If Denver, the NBA’s highest-scoring team, is able to get out in transition and make these high-possession games, it will have a chance to get some wins in this series.

Overall, though, expect the Lakers to play a smart, focused brand of basketball that utilizes their strengths in the first round of these playoffs. The Lakers' size and length down low, along with the presence of a healthy Kobe, will be too much.

Series Prediction: Lakers in six

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

Season Series: Clippers 2-1

Series Schedule:

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Game 1 - Sun. April 29, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 2 - Wed. May 2, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3 - Sat. May 5, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, 4:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 4 - Mon. May 7, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, TBD
Game 5 * Wed. May 9, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, TBD
Game 6 * Fri. May 11, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, TBD
Game 7 * Sun. May 13, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, TBD

"

Offense/Defense Rankings (points per 100 possessions)

Memphis: offense 101.0 (20th); defense 98.9 (seventh)

L.A. Clippers: offense 105.2 (fourth); defense 102.9 (18th)

Series Preview

This could be the best first-round series of them all, featuring two young, athletic and physical teams.

The Clippers need Chris Paul to be great and they need to get the transition game going, but that also means they must play defense. For the Clippers to win, guys like Randy Foye and Nick Young must continue to shoot the ball well from the perimeter.

Memphis needs to get the ball into its big men in the paint and utilize Rudy Gay attacking from the wing. The Grizzlies have great talent, but they will win the series because they execute better at both ends of the floor.

Series Prediction: Grizzlies in six