The NBA playoffs first round features eight compelling matchups between the league's top teams. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of each series:

Dallas Mavericks vs Utah Jazz

• Mavs missing Luka Doncic (calf strain) for Game 1
• Spencer Dinwiddie and Jalen Brunson expected to step up
• Jazz have strong offense but rely heavily on 3-pointers
• Mavericks' defense likely gives them edge in 6-7 games

Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves

• Teams split regular season series 2-2
• Wolves coming off strong play-in performance
• Grizzlies have defensive answers for KAT
• High-scoring affair expected between league's top offenses

Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors

• Competitive seven-game series likely
• Joel Embiid's size advantage crucial
• James Harden looking to silence critics
• Sixers favored despite Raptors' defense

Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets

• Steph Curry returning on minutes restriction
• Warriors core playing well at right time
• Nikola Jokic lacks supporting cast
• Warriors could sweep series

Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks

• Trae Young leading Hawks' surge
• Heat have strong inside-out game
• Both teams deep with shooters/defenders
• Heat slightly favored despite Hawks' potential

Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets

• Durant/Irving elite scoring duo
• Nets improved with Drummond/Brown
• Tatum/Brown leading strong Celtics team
• Nets' firepower gives them edge

Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls

• Giannis matchup nightmare for Bulls
• DeRozan/LaVine could have moments
• Bucks should win in 4-5 games

Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans

• Suns' balanced attack overwhelming
• Booker/Paul/Ayton lead strong core
• Pelicans talented but overmatched
• Suns sweep likely

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