The NBA has lived up to its promise this year, delivering thrills, upsets, trades, rumours and incredible matches. But we've come to the stage where each game truly matters - the Playoffs.
Can Steven Adams and the Oklahoma City Thunder make it out of the first round? Will LeBron James reign supreme and add another piece of hardware to the cabinet? Or will we see a new champion emerge?
Western Conference
Houston Rockets (1) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (8)
While people fixate on the Golden State Warriors and their chances for yet another title, the Houston Rockets have played an historic season. Led by MVP favourite James Harden, the team broke their own record for the most three-pointers made in a season (1184) and tallied up 65 wins - the most of any team in the league.
Meanwhile, it's a much different story for the Minnesota Timberwolves. They scraped into the playoffs by beating the Denver Nuggets in the final game of the season and will need a miracle to beat the Rockets, who have their best shot at a title this year.
Prediction: Houston in four
Golden State Warriors (2) vs San Antonio Spurs (7)
This will be a match-up where both teams unusually have their backs against the wall. The 2017 Champion Golden State side will be without Stephen Curry for this first round (and possibly the second also), which will be a massive disadvantage. The Warriors have been struggling without the floor general, losing 10 of their past 14 games.
They'll need to rely on Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green to steer the ship, which they should be more than capable of doing.
This year was the first time in 21 years the Spurs haven't won 50 games in a season, the main reason being Kawhi Leonard's absence, with the timetable of his return still uncertain.
With a healthy Kawhi playing, the Spurs would have a legitimate player to match up with the formidable Durant, and the makings of a great defensive structure.
Without Curry, the Warriors may have some real problems getting the ball through the net if their other stars aren't performing.
This is a series that will see-saw a lot, and it should be interesting to see what storylines come out of it.
Prediction: Golden State Warriors in six
Portland Trail Blazers (3) vs New Orleans Pelicans (6)
Seeing Portland in the third seed may come as a shock to many, purely because they finished eighth last year.
The Trail Blazers are the youngest team in the playoffs and will rely heavily on the production of their dynamic back-court of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. The pair average 48 points combined per game and will continue to pour in points from all parts of the floor, which may prove to be havoc for New Orleans.
The Pelicans' playoff hopes seemed diminished when Demarcus Cousins tore his ACL in January. But Anthony Davis wasn't ready to bow out, taking his game to another level by averaging 28 points and 11 rebounds and entering his name in the MVP conversation.
If you're looking to throw some money on a series in the West with a good return, look no further than this one.
Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans in seven
Oklahoma City Thunder (4) vs Utah Jazz (5)
Oklahoma's season as a whole has been a roller coaster. Bringing in two All-Stars to boost their chances at a championship, the side has played some exceptional basketball but has also performed terribly in other instances.
With this, it's hard to get a grasp on how they'll perform in this series, against a Jazz outfit (like the Pacers) who have gone against the odds after critical players left in the off-season.
The Jazz have the best defensive rating in the league, spearheaded by centre and tipped-to-be Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City is the 10th-best defensive team, which means Steven Adams will have a significant task ahead of him matching up against Gobert and trying to shut him down.
Despite the shaky season, the Thunder did finish, winning their past three games - one of those against the Houston Rockets.
Russell Westbrook looks at his usual best, while Paul George has come out of his shooting slump and found his form from beyond the arc. And Adams? Well, he'll continue his consistent form at both ends, and add a few more double-doubles to his name.
The Thunder have the edge over the Jazz, based on previous outings - having won three of the four games they played against each other in the regular season.
This should be a cracker of a series, and if the Thunder don't come out victorious, a lot of questions will have to be asked. If there's one thing Westbrook's sure about, it's their potential heading into the postseason.
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder in six
Eastern Conference
Toronto Raptors (1) vs Washington Wizards (8)
It's been an unforgettable and historical season for Toronto, totalling a franchise record 59 wins and locking up the number-one seed for the first time.
Scraping into the playoff picture is Washington, who face the red-hot Raptors, only having won three of their past 12 games.
The statistics aren't on their side, but the dominant backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal may see them steal a game or two. Wall's been out recovering from knee surgery, so to have him back just in time for the postseason will mean they can put up a better fight.
But Toronto should comfortably take this round and shake the playoff curse that usually haunts them.
Prediction: Toronto Raptors in five
Boston Celtics (2) vs Milwaukee Bucks (7)
If you want to throw some money on a series in the East, this will be your best choice. Boston's done well to retain the second seed despite losing Gordon Hayward to a broken leg in the first game of the season, and now star point guard Kyrie Irving to a lingering knee injury.
The team's made up of plenty of rookies and sophomores performing well above their weight. They'll take on a robust Milwaukee Bucks outfit led by the "Greek Freak", Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Like Boston, the squad has been riddled with injuries throughout the season, but are now back to full strength. They'll be a problem for Boston, especially in the guard and forward positions.
If you're looking for a team to root for in this series, Celtics centre Aron Baynes was born in Gisborne (but is an Australian national player). This is probably the series out of the East that will go the full distance because Antetokounmpo is simply unstoppable.
Prediction: Milwaukee in seven
Philadelphia 76ers (3) vs Miami Heat (6)
Philadelphia basketball fans finally have something to cheer about after being told to "trust the process" for years.
The Sixers have made the playoffs for the first time since 2012, coming off a 16-game winning streak and arguably being the most impressive team in the league down the stretch.
Led by the heavily favoured Rookie of the Year, Ben Simmons, this young team will be enjoyable to watch.
The Heat will be glad they have the veteran experience of Dwayne Wade back in the fold after jumping across to two different teams over two seasons. They'll pose quite the challenge for Philly, having three championships to their name and plenty of experience in crunch-time situations.
With Philadelphia's Coach Brett Brown having started his coaching career in New Zealand, it only seems fair to get behind the young side looking to make waves in the East.
Prediction: Philadelphia in six
Cleveland Cavaliers (4) vs Indiana Pacers (5)
This is the lowest a Lebron James-led team has sat in the playoffs since 2008, but Cleveland fans, don't panic. If you think "The King" is good during the regular season, wait until you see him come playoffs.
There's no doubt Cleveland has the potential to go the finals for the fourth consecutive time, but credit must be given to the Pacers for their stellar season.
Indiana has been going against the odds all season. Experts projected the side would win just 25 games, but blew that out of the water - and on 48.
Led by the projected Most Improved Player, Victor Oladipo, scoring 23 points a game, this is the beginning of what should be an outstanding team in the future. If you're going against Lebron James in the playoffs, good luck.
Projection: Cleveland in six
George Berry is an intern reporter at Newshub Sport.
