NBA Playoffs 2013: Evenly Matched Series Loom for Remainder of Postseason

The final fours teams of the NBA playoffs are almost set, and it seems as if the remainder of the postseason will be marked by tough, intriguing matchups in both conferences and eventually the Finals.

The Western Conference is locked in with the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies set to battle. For Memphis, this is uncharted territory, both in that this their first conference finals and that they are considered the favorite win a series in this year's postseason. But the experience-laden Spurs know what it takes to win championships and will throw everything plus the kitchen sink at the Grizzlies.

The size of Memphis could prove to be a problem for San Antonio. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph will be a handful for Tim Duncan and company.

And if the Spurs discover a way to slow down this stellar frontcourt, Mike Conley will be waiting on the wings to dissect the San Antonio defense as ruthlessly as he did that of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He averaged 18 points per game in the series against OKC and shows no signs of slowing down.

It will be interesting to see if Memphis can take down a team that since Tim Duncan's arrival has been a Western Conference contender year in and year out.

In the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat await the winner between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers. The Pacers lead the series, 3-2.

Indiana poses the biggest threat to the Heat because of its size advantage over Miami in the post. The big bodies of Roy Hibbert and David West will be difficult for Chris Bosh to handle himself, and if LeBron James moves over to help out in the post, that will leave Paul George with more room to score.

George has been electric in the series with New York, posting 18.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. At 6'8", he has the height to match up with LeBron and the skill set to light up the scoreboard.

If the Pacers can close out the series with the Knicks on Saturday, the 2013 NBA playoffs will be as evenly matched as they have been in years. Any of these four teams can win it all, and for everyone's sake, that the remaining series could all the distance is a real possibility.