NBA Playoffs: Ranking the 4 Most Exciting First Round Matchups

November 29, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors small forward Harrison Barnes (40, front) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at ORACLE Arena. The Warriors defeated the Nuggets 106-105. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

This year’s playoffs feature some great teams like the Warriors and the Rockets, and it is no doubt one of the best first rounds we fans have seen in a while. That leaves so much debate and excitement. I’m sure that I’m not going to be the only one glued to my TV for 9 straight hours tomorrow! Ladies and gentlemen, please tell me how excited for the playoffs you are! This is is going to be a great first round, and although you may be disappointed, there’s still a lot to look for.

Which 3 matchups will be the most exciting in the first round? There’s already so many, and NBA fans are staring at that clock, till the first day of the playoffs: tomorrow.

1. Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets:

By far, no doubts, this is the most exciting first round matchup. Two incredibly high scoring teams, with endless waves of offense, who can also play defense. This is going to be the series to watch. Not just because the Nuggets are one of ht best young teams in the NBA, but because the Warriors can easily give other teams a run for their money. Of course, the Dubs aren’t likely to win game 1, because they’re not acclimated to the high altitude, but by game 2, they’ll have their game together. The possibility of winning one road game for them is just huge. Think back to the 2007 playoffs, where the Warriors’ Oracle Arena was literally alive. The fans were insane, and they pushed their team to the incredible upset of the first seed. The first time in NBA history that an 8th seed had won!

2. New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics:

The criticism of the Celtics has never seemed to affect their play in the postseason. In 2010, the Boston Celtics, despite being the 5th seed, pushed ahead to the conference finals, upset the Cavaliers, and played all the way to a game 7 with the Lakers. How did they do this? It was all about the experience! The Celtics are one of the oldest teams out there, and they have guys that have been there before.

Forget the fact that Carmelo Anthony is a dangerous scorer. Just forget that. Paul Pierce lives to silence crowds, and many forget that Pierce owns New York City. He COMPLETELY owns it. The fact that he comes in there and plays like a superstar just proves that the Celtics will easily be able to beat the Knicks in the first round, despite “popular” belief.

3. Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder:

Rockets vs Thunder? This is literally ever Thunder fans’ dream matchup. I’d have to say that the Thunder could possibly bring their brooms to this one, but the reason it’s going to be the most exciting is because the Thunder are one of best teams, and Harden is one of the best scorers. Of course, it’ll also be exciting to watch him either choke against his former teammates or just control them.

4. Brooklyn Nets vs Chicago Bulls:

The Nets and the Bulls are two extremely exciting teams, and this will be one of the best series this year, by far. This series is possibly going to a game 7, but the Bulls win. Not only does the possible return of you know who make the series a watchable one, but it’s also because Nate Robinson and Deron Williams, when on fire, are two very exciting players.