NBA Playoffs: 1st Round Will Be Entertaining

3) LeBron vs. Paul George:

• The Eastern Conference is short on true rivalries at the small forward position, but this match up should be very entertaining. Paul George plays at an all-star level, he is capable of scoring the basketball at high volumes and will make LeBron guard him on defense. George is averaging 24 ppg, while shooting a healthy 46% from the field. He is capable of knocking down the three shooting a hair under 40%. Lebron is averaging 27 ppg but shooting a much higher percentage at 54%. George is a better shooter and Lebron is better player in the paint, should make for an interesting match up.

2) Celtics vs. Bulls:

• The Celtics are the number one-seed in the Eastern Conference and the Bulls are a dysfunctional eight-seed. But the Bulls are not an eight-seed because of talent but because of their chemistry issues; the Bulls are more than capable of pulling things together and surprising the Celtics. Celtics are a team that depend heavily on all-star Isiah Thomas and don’t have any other stars on the team, while the Bulls have Wade, Butler, and Rondo. The Celtics have the better “team” concept but if Wade/Butler can get hot that may be enough to propel them to the 2nd Round.

1) Harden vs. Westbrook:

• The Rockets vs Thunder series will pit these two MVP candidates against each other which should prove to be a thriller. The MVP debate has been a topic of discussion all season long. Westbrook has made triple-double history this season and Harden has elevated his game--leading the league in assists. All eyes will be on this epic point guard match up and the series should display entertaining high scores and fantastic plays.