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Rockets-Thunder top our first-round matchup rankings
http://tinyurl.com/kyce6m4

1. (3) Rockets vs. (6) Thunder
This has to be the most exciting matchup in the first round. James Harden,
the calm and calculating clinician, vs. Russell Westbrook, the determined
ball of fury. Each has been a one-man show this season, and each has an
incredible case for the MVP award. While the votes will already have been
cast, these two will want to prove themselves against their opponent.
Plus, while the Rockets will be favored, and rightfully so, this is a series
that the Thunder can win. It's hard to imagine the Thunder not getting at
least a couple wins and, if we're lucky enough get it, what a Game 7 Harden
vs. Westbrook would be. And the potential is there. The skill on the court
plus the MVP talk off it makes Rockets vs. Thunder the most intriguing
first-round matchup.

Top1: 火箭vs雷霆

2. (4) Clippers vs. (5) Jazz
This is also a fascinating matchup, as it features an up-and-coming Utah
squad in its first playoff appearance since 2012, against a veteran Clippers
bunch hoping to finally live up to expectations. Between Chris Paul, Gordon
Hayward, Blake Griffin, Rudy Gobert and DeAndre Jordan, there will be plenty
of talent on the floor, and both of these teams closed out their seasons on
fire. The Clippers won eight of their final 10 games, while the Jazz went 7-3
to close out their season. Another toss-up.

Top2: 快艇vs爵士


3. (3) Raptors vs. (6) Bucks
Well, first of all, there's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who might be the most
enjoyable player to watch in the league. Each and every night he does
something remarkable, and it's great that he'll get to be on a national stage
in the playoffs. And then there's DeMar DeRozan, who has been incredible this
season, finishing fifth in the league in scoring average with a career-high
27.5 points. The Raptors figure to be the favorites, but it will be
fascinating to see if Giannis will be able to lead the Bucks to an upset on
the big stage. Don't rule it out.

Top3: 暴龍vs公鹿


4. (2) Cavaliers vs. (7) Pacers
LeBron James vs. Paul George. The last time these two met, LeBron went for 41
points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists, while George turned in 43 points, nine
rebounds and nine assists as the Cavs won 135-130 in a double-overtime
thriller. A few more games like that will certainly be welcome, but even if
that's too much to ask, watching these two go at it should be quite
entertaining. Plus with the return of James' nemesis, Lance Stephenson,
thrown into the mix, there should be some fireworks.

Top4: 騎士vs溜馬


5. (1) Celtics vs. (8) Bulls
The Celtics have Isaiah Thomas, one of the most dynamic scorers in the league
who has become one of the most entertaining players to watch. The Bulls have
Jimmy Butler, who has come into his own as one of the league's best
all-around wings and single-handedly dragged the Bulls into the playoffs.
Those two alone should be enough reason to watch, but with Marcus Smart
involved, the Rajon Rondo revenge factor and the Bulls' TNT invincibility,
this could turn into the weirdest series of the first round.

Top5: 超賽vs公牛


6. (4) Wizards vs. (5) Hawks
A few weeks ago, it wasn't inconceivable that the Hawks would fall out of the
playoffs, but they regrouped with the return of Paul Millsap, and now look
both entertaining and competitive. Millsap is extremely underrated, and Tim
Hardaway Jr. is doing fun things. Of course, on the other side, you have one
of the most exciting backcourts in the league in John Wall and Bradley Beal.
Those two have been so much fun this season, and figure to put on a show.
Plus, two of their matchups this season have been within four points, so we
could be in for some late-game drama.

Top6: 巫師vs老鷹
幾週前若說老鷹會掉出季後賽名單, 這不是件無法相信的事, 但在Millsap歸隊後他們重
振旗鼓硬是提升了整體表現, 並且他們看來除了具有競爭力之外球風還挺值得觀賞的,


7. (1) Warriors vs. (8) Trail Blazers
If we can get a rerun of the series these two played last season in the
second round, that would be terrific, but I can't see that happening now that
Kevin Durant is around and healthy. With the Warriors' stars, and the
Blazers' back court, there will be plenty of talent on the floor this series,
but the Warriors should run away with things most nights and that doesn't
make for very compelling action.

Top7: 勇士vs拓荒者
勇士新添了KD, 阿拓加油小李加油

8. (2) Spurs vs. (7) Grizzlies
Kawhi Leonard is awesome, and so are Marc Gasol and Mike Conley, but this
series just does not scream excitement. I love Tony Allen and this whole
Grizzlies core, but they're beat up, and it's just not the same as a few
years back. And as great as the Spurs are, they go about their business in a
clinical fashion. I'll still be watching, but I'm not jumping for joy about
the fact these two teams will be going at it for a second straight season.

Top8: 馬刺vs灰熊
兩邊的球星都好棒棒, 但灰熊應該是沒辦法打敗馬刺了

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清晨霧一般的思念, 清新 double, 美麗 double, 捉摸不定 double...

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