NBA Playoffs | Western Conf | Rd 1 | (1) Oklahoma City vs (8) Houston

The basketball Gods granted us this glorious match up where James Harden finds himself in a rematch against the team that didn't want to pay him superstar money. As it turns out, he’s very much a superstar caliber player.

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Durant and company likely knew this when they let him go. However, they had no control over how the scenario would play out. Now, what I believe is a weaker Thunder team, is up against a developing and dangerous Houston Rockets squad.

Keys to Victory – Foul Trouble
If the Rockets can keep some of the stars from the Thunder on the bench and off of the court, they've got a good chance to steal a few games in this series.

X-Factor - Thabo Sefalosha
James Harden and Jeremy Lin will cause serious trouble for the Thunder if they can get to the FT line like they have been so far this season. If there’s one person that should be accustomed to Harden’s slippery style, it’s Sefalosha. He played against him in practice every day the past couple years and should have a few nuances of his game figured out.

Prediction – Oklahoma City Thunder in 6
At the end of the day, Durant is the best player on the court. I’m hard pressed to believe he would follow up a finals appearance with a 1st round exit – but anything is possible.

NBA Playoffs | Eastern Conf | Rd 1 | (1) Miami vs (8) Milwaukee

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Brandon Jennings said he wants the Heat in round 1. Monta Ellis believes he is the same caliber player as Dwyane Wade. Many might disagree, but the Bucks have actually played the Heat really well this season.

However, in the playoffs there is a totally different level of play. Whether or not the rest of the Bucks are equally as confident is yet to be seen. Miami is hungry and prepared for the playoffs and a run at a second championship. It’s really all they've been playing for all season long.

Keys to Victory – Back Court Play 
Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings is certainly a formidable back court. Chalmers / Wade & Allen / Wade (to close games), are not particularly easy match ups either. The guards will dictate the pace of the game, and pace will be important. If Ellis / Jennings can get hot, they can at the very least make things interesting.

X-Factor – Defense
If it’s one thing Miami excels at, it’s defense. The Milwaukee Bucks – not so much.

Prediction – Miami Heat in 4
Monta Ellis might think he’s on the same tier as the likes of Dwyane Wade, but I think the swiftness with which this series ends will remind him that he isn't.

NBA Playoffs | Western Conf | Rd 1 | (2) San Antonio vs (7) L.A. Lakers

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The Lakers made good on Kobe’s promise that the Lakers would be in the playoffs, even without the Black Mamba being present for the last 2 games. According to Pau Gasol, he was present in spirit.

But Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Kawai Leonard will be present physically. That poses much more of a problem for the Lakers.

We have yet to see if Mike D’Antoni has figured out how to use his two 7-footers effectively for a stretch. And without Bryant to carry the torch, it’s going to be an uphill battle for the Lakers.

Keys to Victory – Penetration
If Tony Parker is healthy, which we think he is, who is going to stop him from sucking in the Lakers defense and kicking it to the effective San Antonio shooters? The Spurs shoot is a lot; efficiently. The Lakers will need to control the penetration and prevent open three-pointers.

X-Factor – Steve Nash
If Steve Nash is able to play at his best, he makes everybody better. Earl Clark isn’t just Earl Clark anymore. And Howard and Gasol’s game can be elevated.

Prediction – San Antonio Spurs in 6

The Lakers made a great second half rally to make themselves relevant this season. I didn't see them beating OKC or San Antonio with Kobe Bryant, it’s definitely not going to happen without him.

NBA Playoffs | Eastern Conf | Rd 1 | (3) Indiana vs (6) Atlanta

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Personally, this is one of the least exciting playoff series for me. But it actually has some potential to be entertaining. The two teams match up really well and Atlanta is considered an underdog in this series – which often brings out the best in competitive individuals.

The Hawks have the ability to stretch the floor with shooters like Korver and Lou Williams. They also have the ability to defend the perimeter with the likes of Stevenson and Dahntay Jones.

So what’s going to be the deciding factor?

Keys to Victory – Post Play
The match ups down low in this series are intriguing; Horford and Smith versus Hibbert and West. Winning the battle on the glass and with scoring down low will be a big deal.

X-Factor – Frank Vogel
One of the most underrated coaches is the NBA is Frank Vogel. Well coached players do well under pressure. If the objective is to beat the top teams in the later rounds, you need to have poise.

Prediction – Indiana Pacers in 5
The Pacers have an emerging star in Paul George. Even without Danny Granger, I think it’s safe to say the Pacers will get past Atlanta.

NBA Playoffs | Western Conf | Rd 1 | (4) L.A. Clippers vs (5) Memphis

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This match up was one of the most entertaining match ups in all of last year’s playoffs. It’s a classic offense v. defense match up. Behind the lead of Chris Paul, the Clippers rallied from down 20+ points to show what they’re capable of.

Without Rudy Gay, everyone assumed the Grizzlies chances had essentially been squashed. They surprised everyone with their play down the stretch and find themselves with one of the top scoring defenses in the league.

Keys to Victory – Turnovers
The Grizzlies play phenomenal defense. But surprisingly, the L.A. Clippers are first in the NBA in forcing turnovers. If they can get easy buckets against a strong defense in Memphis, they have a great chance to win the series.

X-Factor – Jamal Crawford
Crawford is an easy pick for the X-Factor as he’s a starter quality player that comes off of the bench. It’s tough to account for such a talent in your second string rotation.

Prediction – L.A. Clippers in 6
With Chris Paul’s hyper-competitive spirit and the overall improvement of the Clippers game, I can’t imagine them falling to a team that I feel has taken a step back 1 year later.

NBA Playoffs | Eastern Conf | Rd 1 | (4) Brooklyn vs (5) Chicago

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All things considered, the Bulls have had a phenomenal season. Injuries have hindered their chances to give them any real shot at a title. With the most recent development of Joakim Noah potentially being unavailable for round 1, it puts the Bulls in an even more precarious spot.

Brooklyn started the season hot, cooled off, and started peaking again at the right time. With Jay-Z sitting court side for the NBA playoffs, it should be an electric atmosphere in the Barclays Center.

Keys to Victory – Dominating the Paint

The one thing that Chicago has been able to hang its hat on was its defense and rebounding abilities down low. Brooklyn takes those advantages away from them with their size. They have big guards talented big men as well.

X-Factor – Derrick Rose

If D. Rose decides to return, the adrenaline and energy alone will carry the Bulls past round 1. If not, you’re left with Nate Robinson, captain of the irrational confidence all-stars (to quote Bill Simmons) and Capt. Kick Hinrich to defend a back court of Deron Williams and Joe Johnson.

Prediction – Brooklyn Nets in 7

I agree with Michael Wilbon that it's best Rose doesn't make his anticipated return this season. There's too much to lose, and if he doesn't feel he's ready, there's no use forcing it. Considering I don't think Derrick Rose will return to the court, I think Brooklyn will take this series in the 7th game -- where home court advantage matters.

NBA Playoffs | Western Conf | Rd 1 | (3) Denver vs (6) Golden State

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In discussing the potential of this match up with a co-worker, he joked that the average score for this series would be around 145-150. I actually wouldn't be surprised if it did indeed look something like that. It’ll be fast and exciting and there will be no defense.

Keys to Victory – Rebounding & Defense (what?)
That being said, the team that is able to put together the most stretches of good defense and limit second chance opportunities for the other team will put themselves in the best position to win.

X-Factor – Stephen Curry
Many people forget how big of a BIG TIME player Stephen Curry was back at Davidson because we haven’t seen him in a playoff atmosphere since college.  With the absence of a real superstar from the opposition, his impact will be multiplied.

Prediction – Golden State in 6
As I told a friend the other day, stars shine the brightest in the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Nuggets don’t have that one guy to count on down the stretch.

NBA Playoffs | Eastern Conf | Rd 1 | (2) New York vs (7) Boston

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It would be understatement to say that the city of Boston has had a rough week. Although in the end, the bad guys were apprehended and now we can begin the healing process. I’m relieved for everyone that was impacted. In the same vein – within significantly less dire circumstances – the Boston Celtics had a rough season. Hampered by injuries throughout, Boston never truly found its stride.

New York on the other hand found a rhythm once they lost one of their best assets in Amare Stoudemire for the season. After reeling off a 13-game win streak down the stretch and Carmelo Anthony wrapping up his first ever scoring title, the Knicks enter the playoffs clicking on all cylinders.

Keys to Victory – 3 Point Shooting
The winner of this series will go to the team that can best cover and knock down the 3-pt shot.

X-Factor – Tyson Chandler
One of Tyson’s greatest strengths is his ability to tap out offensive rebounds and create second shot opportunities for his team. In a series where 3-pt shooting will be paramount, I think he’ll have a profound impact.

Prediction – New York Knicks in 7
The Celtics, as they always do, will give a valiant effort. Although, I think it falls short versus Carmelo and co. It might be time to close this chapter in Boston Celtics history.