default-cbs-image

After 1,230 games, more triple-doubles than the league has ever seen and the closest MVP race in history, the 2016-17 NBA regular season has come to an end. But cheer up, because that just means the 2016-17 playoffs are right around the corner. On Saturday, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers will get us started at 3 p.m. ET. 

Before that happens, let's take a look at all eight first-round matchups, ranking them from an entertainment/competitiveness standpoint. Almost a League Pass rankings, if you will, but for the first-round playoff series. Alright, you get the point, let's get into it. 

1. (3) Rockets vs. (6) Thunder

This has to be the most exciting matchup in the first round. James Harden, the calm and calculating clinician, vs. Russell Westbrook, the determined ball of fury. Each has been a one-man show this season, and each has an incredible case for the MVP award. While the votes will already have been cast, these two will want to prove themselves against their opponent.

Plus, while the Rockets will be favored, and rightfully so, this is a series that the Thunder can win. It's hard to imagine the Thunder not getting at least a couple wins and, if we're lucky enough get it, what a Game 7 Harden vs. Westbrook would be. And the potential is there. The skill on the court plus the MVP talk off it makes Rockets vs. Thunder the most intriguing first-round matchup.

2. (4) Clippers vs. (5) Jazz

This is also a fascinating matchup, as it features an up-and-coming Utah squad in its first playoff appearance since 2012, against a veteran Clippers bunch hoping to finally live up to expectations. Between Chris Paul, Gordon Hayward, Blake Griffin, Rudy Gobert and DeAndre Jordan, there will be plenty of talent on the floor, and both of these teams closed out their seasons on fire. The Clippers won eight of their final 10 games, while the Jazz went 7-3 to close out their season. Another toss-up. 

3. (3) Raptors vs. (6) Bucks

Well, first of all, there's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who might be the most enjoyable player to watch in the league. Each and every night he does something remarkable, and it's great that he'll get to be on a national stage in the playoffs. And then there's DeMar DeRozan, who has been incredible this season, finishing fifth in the league in scoring average with a career-high 27.5 points. The Raptors figure to be the favorites, but it will be fascinating to see if Giannis will be able to lead the Bucks to an upset on the big stage. Don't rule it out. 

4. (2) Cavaliers vs. (7) Pacers

LeBron James vs. Paul George. The last time these two met, LeBron went for 41 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists, while George turned in 43 points, nine rebounds and nine assists as the Cavs won 135-130 in a double-overtime thriller. A few more games like that will certainly be welcome, but even if that's too much to ask, watching these two go at it should be quite entertaining. Plus with the return of James' nemesis, Lance Stephenson, thrown into the mix, there should be some fireworks.

lebronpg1400.jpg
It should be fun watching these two stars go at it.  USATSI

5. (1) Celtics vs. (8) Bulls

The Celtics have Isaiah Thomas, one of the most dynamic scorers in the league who has become one of the most entertaining players to watch. The Bulls have Jimmy Butler, who has come into his own as one of the league's best all-around wings and single-handedly dragged the Bulls into the playoffs. Those two alone should be enough reason to watch, but with Marcus Smart involved, the Rajon Rondo revenge factor and the Bulls' TNT invincibility, this could turn into the weirdest series of the first round.

6. (4) Wizards vs. (5) Hawks

A few weeks ago, it wasn't inconceivable that the Hawks would fall out of the playoffs, but they regrouped with the return of Paul Millsap, and now look both entertaining and competitive. Millsap is extremely underrated, and Tim Hardaway Jr. is doing fun things. Of course, on the other side, you have one of the most exciting backcourts in the league in John Wall and Bradley Beal. Those two have been so much fun this season, and figure to put on a show. Plus, two of their matchups this season have been within four points, so we could be in for some late-game drama.

7. (1) Warriors vs. (8) Trail Blazers

If we can get a rerun of the series these two played last season in the second round, that would be terrific, but I can't see that happening now that Kevin Durant is around and healthy. With the Warriors' stars, and the Blazers' back court, there will be plenty of talent on the floor this series, but the Warriors should run away with things most nights and that doesn't make for very compelling action.

8. (2) Spurs vs. (7) Grizzlies

Kawhi Leonard is awesome, and so are Marc Gasol and Mike Conley, but this series just does not scream excitement. I love Tony Allen and this whole Grizzlies core, but they're beat up, and it's just not the same as a few years back. And as great as the Spurs are, they go about their business in a clinical fashion. I'll still be watching, but I'm not jumping for joy about the fact these two teams will be going at it for a second straight season.