The NBA playoffs have finally arrived, and each team that made the cut can finally compete for glory.

Eastern Conference

#1 Atlanta Hawks vs. #8 Brooklyn Nets

Atlanta boasts one of the toughest teams this year, both offensively and defensively, and the Nets simply do not have enough to contain them. The Hawks beat the Nets three out of three times this year and look to continue their domination against Brooklyn.

PREDICTION: Atlanta in 4

#2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #7 Boston Celtics

Despite the Celtics beating Cleveland in their last two appearances, the Cavaliers are a much stronger team. LeBron James has proved his presence in the playoffs is stunning, and has enjoyed much success against this Boston team. The Celtics will put up a fight, but Cleveland will leave with the upper-hand.

PREDICTION: Cleveland in 5

#3 Chicago Bulls vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks

Rival matchups are simply the best because anything can happen. The Bulls have witnessed their ups and downs, from Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah’s dominant frontcourt presence to Derrick Rose’s injury prone-self. The Bucks proved interesting this season, going an even 41-41, behind their slam dunk contestant Giannas Antetokounmpo. The Bulls won three out of four this year and will likely continue their success against Milwaukee.

PREDICTION: Chicago in 6

#4 Toronto Raptors vs. #5 Washington Wizards

One of the most improved teams of the year, the Toronto Raptors, have found themselves in the fourth spot, with Demar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry leading the way. But John Wall and the Wizards are looking to end the Raptors’ run and earn themselves a shot at the title. This matchup should be close.

PREDICTION: Washington in 7

Western Conference

#1 Golden State Warriors vs #8 New Orleans Pelicans

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are just too good and simply unfair, as they hit almost every shot they take. The Pelicans are the surprise eight seed, stealing the spot from the Thunder. Anthony Davis will be playing in his first playoff series, and will cause mayhem, but not quite enough to beat Golden State.

PREDICTION: Golden State in 5

#2 Houston Rockets vs. #7 Dallas Mavericks

Yet another rivalry exists in this matchup, which will prove bloodier. James Harden carried the Rockets to beat Dallas three out of four times this year, and has been too much for the Mavs to handle. Despite Dirk Nowitzki’s annual playoff push, his Mavs will come up just short.

PREDICTION: Houston in 6

#3 Los Angeles Clippers vs. #6 San Antonio Spurs

This is one of the more intriguing matchups in the West, for both teams ended the season on spectacular runs. Even though the Spurs possessed a shot at the more-desirable second seed, it does not matter where you put reliable stalwarts Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Gregg Popovich, because they will get the job done. The Clippers have been plagued by inconsistency, and even with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin sailing the ship, will not be able to handle the Spurs.

PREDICTION: San Antonio in 6

#4 Portland Trail Blazers vs. #5 Memphis Grizzlies

Damian Lillard proved last year that he is clutch in the playoffs and looks to continue his domination against Marc Gasol and the Grizzlies, who were among the top three teams the whole season but fell near the end. Portland’s defense is very powerful and Memphis will not be able to do much against them.

PREDICTION: Portland in 5

A prediction for the finals is the Hawks beating the Spurs in seven, allowing coach Budenholzer to exact revenge on his previous coach Gregg Popovich.