The stage is set and the first batch of teams will open the NBA playoffs this coming Sunday, April 18.
Set to kick off the first round of the playoffs are the Golden State Warriors (who will host the New Orleans Pelicans), the Houston Rockets (hosting the Dallas Mavericks), the Chicago Bulls (hosting the Milwaukee Bucks) and the Toronto Raptors (hosting the Washington Wizards). Check out the matchup previews below
Preview: Warriors vs. Pelicans
The Golden State Warriors are the obvious favorites over the Hornets who surprisingly got the last ticket to the NBA playoffs after defeating the San Antontio Spurs. Anthony Davis and the rest of the Pelicans will have their hands full as they try to survive one of the hottest NBA teams today.
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are expected to lead the charge and Davis will need a lot of help defensively and getting some key offensive contributions as well if they are to stand up against the rising Warriors of head coach Steve Kerr.
Game time starts at 3:30 p.m. and will be aired on ABC
Preview: Rockets vs. Mavericks
The Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks clash in the first round in what is billed as the Battle of Texas. James Harden is expected to take the lead once more but the Mavericks are no pushovers. Dirk Nowizki is still there and he will be backed by tried and tested veterans that could turn things around for the Mavs.
Game time starts at 9:30 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN
Preview: Bulls vs. Bucks
Without blinking the Bulls are the favorites over the Bucks. Chicago has the manpower and while an upset is not discounted, it would all depend on how Jason Kidd can motivate his boys to stand up against the boys of coach Tim Thibodeau. Game time starts at 7:00 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN.
Preview: Raptors vs. Wizards
In a match where anything can happen, the Wizards are more than capable of snagging home court advantage from the Raptors. The player match-ups are practically even for both squads, each position practically a stalemate. Hence it could all boil down to the coaching battle between Dwane Casey (Raptors) and Randy Wittman (Wizards). The series is expected to go the full length of seven games.
Game time starts at 12:30 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN
