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In some ways, the Eastern Conference and Western Conference have flip-flopped from last year. The West was less competitive than expected this season, and while the Cavs still rule the East, it's wide open beneath them. Meanwhile, in the West, the Warriors and Spurs look poised to steamroll to the semifinals, likely to meet the Thunder and Clippers.
Nonetheless, anything can happen in the NBA playoffs, and an exciting series could pop up where we least expect it.
Here are our picks for the first round of the playoffs.