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.