The NBA playoffs first round features several intriguing matchups between established powerhouses and rising teams. Here's a comprehensive analysis of each series:

Dallas Mavericks vs Utah Jazz

• Mavs missing Luka Doncic (calf strain) for Game 1
• Strong guard play from Dinwiddie and Brunson can help offset loss
• Jazz have elite offense but struggle with chemistry
• Mavs' perimeter defense likely decides series
• Prediction: Mavs in 7

Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves

• Teams split regular season series 2-2
• Edwards/Russell coming off strong play-in performance
• Grizzlies have defensive answers for KAT
• Both teams lead NBA in scoring
• Prediction: Potential upset by Wolves due to team chemistry

Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors

• Raptors have defensive personnel to disrupt Sixers
• Embiid's size/scoring difficult to contain
• Harden looking to silence critics
• Prediction: Sixers advance

Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets

• Curry returns on minutes restriction
• Thompson/Green peaking at right time
• Jokic lacks supporting cast
• Prediction: Warriors sweep possible

Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks

• Young emerging as superstar
• Heat have strong inside-out game with Butler/Adebayo
• Both teams deep with shooters/defenders
• Prediction: Heat advance despite tough series

Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets

• Durant/Irving form league's deadliest scoring duo
• Drummond provides needed interior presence
• Tatum/Brown match scoring firepower
• Prediction: Nets' star power prevails

Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls

• Giannis matchup nightmare for Bulls' defense
• DeRozan/LaVine capable of hot streaks
• Prediction: Bucks in 4-5 games

Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans

• Suns' balanced attack overwhelming
• Pelicans have scoring but lack depth
• Prediction: Suns sweep

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