NBA Playoff Bracket 2015: Most Star-Studded Potential Matchups of Round 1
We got spoiled in Round 1 last year.
Five different seven-game series. Buzzer-beaters galore. Upsets all over the place. Come on, admit it: That was the greatest first round of all time.
Like every year, though, there were some stinkers mixed in with the magic. LeBron James’ Miami Heat treated the Charlotte Hornets like a welcome mat. John Wall, Bradley Beal and the run-and-gun Washington Wizards looked like a high school varsity team playing their old, creaky dads (Chicago Bulls).
But other than that? No complaints.
This year, however, won’t be as captivating of an opening round. The overall bracket could wind up more compelling in the end, but some teams are simply outmatched by their first opponent.
Example: You're more likely to taste the words on this page than the Boston Celtics are to knock off LBJ and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
There might not be as many breathtaking moments in late April (or early May), but this year’s playoff bracket does boast some serious Round 1 star power.
Star-Studded Showdowns
Portland Trail Blazers (4) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (5)
*Note: The top of the West is super jumbled. Maybe this will help. LAC-POR would be the most heavyweight battle of them all.
Throw a couple of lions like Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge in a cage and things will get bloody.
These athletic forwards will go tit for tat on both ends, with Griffin soaring toward the rim and Aldridge craftily swooshing fall-aways and elbow jumpers. Their games are different, but the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers rely on them in similar ways.
Last December, Griffin (35 and 11) and Aldridge (32 and 10) combined for a 65 points and 21 boards. Portland pulled out a close one at home, but this could be a preview of what’s to come in Round 1.
Now, two lions are one thing. But a pair of vicious wolverines throwing down is a totally different level.
Chris Paul and Damian Lillard are two of the game’s most bloodthirsty competitors. They'd get carried off the court before they'd back down from one another.
Outside of a potential Russell Westbrook-Stephen Curry showdown, this could be the best point guard duel we’ll see all postseason.
The smart money is on CP3, who appears primed to finally take his team on an extended playoff run. But Lillard is a cold dude and can't be slept on.
Just ask the Houston Rockets.
Still, Paul seems to relish playing Portland. Dan Woike of the Orange County Register provided some insight during their last meeting, a big win for the Clips:
On the season, CP hit the Blazers for an average of 30.5 points, 12.5 assists and 5.3 boards while winning three of four contests.
One day it will be Lillard who dishes out a reality check to some young point guard thinking he’s the big dog.
But for now, Dame is still a pup compared to Paul.
Golden State Warriors (1) vs. New Orleans Pelicans/Oklahoma City Thunder (8)
As long as the sky is blue and the ocean is wet, the Golden State Warriors will emerge from Round 1 victorious.
But they won’t do so without a few bumps and bruises.
The New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder, currently tied for the eighth spot, are sprinting toward a photo finish. If the 'Cans, who own the tie-breaker, beat the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, Anthony Davis will take part in his first of what promises to be many postseasons.
But there’s a chance that the Spurs bring their A-game and send the young Pellies packing—as only those mean ol’ Spurs can do—leaving the door open for Russell Westbrook’s Thunder.
Either way this ball bounces, Golden State will have to fend off an MVP candidate.
Again, the Warriors are a historically good basketball team and should prevail in five or six games. But Davis, who averaged 29.5 points and 12.5 boards against the Dubs in a pair of a games (1-1) this season, will give them fits.
Golden State can outmatch New Orleans at pretty much every other position, but that solo-browed gazelle will run wild—especially if he plays with the anger he had when New Orleans knocked off the cocky Warriors on April 7.
Davis is too big and strong for David Lee, too quick for Andrew Bogut and too good for almost anyone else in this league. The Warriors don’t have anyone capable of slowing down the 22-year-old.
They do, however, have someone capable of hanging with Westbrook—another MVP hopeful, in fact.
Westbrook will likely get robbed of the league’s most coveted individual award in favor of Curry or James Harden.
And that means he’ll be coming after the Warriors' PG with a vengeance like Eminem at the end of 8 Mile (warning: link contains NSFW language).
Curry is dazzling, fun and wizardly with the rock. He’s had his fair share of licks on Russ, too.
But an angry, fired-up Westbrook will take Curry’s lunch money...in the individual matchup anyway.
All stats are accurate courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com. Keep track of the ever-changing playoff picture at NBA.com.
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