The first round of the NBA playoffs has been up and down so far this season. Early on in these series, it was predictable and very uncontested.

For example, the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls both went up two games to none in their series, with the Spurs playing the Memphis Grizzlies and the Bulls playing the Boston Celtics. The early victors have now gone on to lose two games in a row and their series are now tied 2-2.

The Milwaukee Bucks versus Toronto Raptors has been back and forth and they also are tied at two games.

The biggest takeaway from this matchup, is Giannis Antetokounmpo. He’s been nothing short of dominant, as he’s averaged 21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. The “Greek Freak” is doing nothing but reiterating his dominance for years to come.

The most anticipated matchup, other than Harden or Westbrook, is LeBron going against Giannis. If the Bucks can pull out of this series, then we will witness the young against old, both possessing similar games.

The Utah Jazz v.s Los Angeles Clippers series has had some turnarounds. With star Blake Griffin breaking his thumb and going down for the playoffs, the outcome may vary. It’s not tied at two and the loss of Griffin have hurt any chances they had of beating Golden State, which was already slim to none.

It has also led to talks of the Clippers wanting to push Griffin out due to a history of season/playoff ending injuries. Just last season he missed the playoffs with a quad injury.

For the rest of the first round matchups, there has been no suspense.

The Houston Rockets have gone up three games to one on the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The two top MVP candidates have been proved why they are the top running mates.

James Harden has averaged 29 points, 7 rebounds and 11 assists. Russell Westbrook is putting up 32 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

Their performances have added to both of their cases for MVP, but it has also made it even more difficult to choose the winner. As for the series, the Rockets have clearly been the better team and comparing the both teams talent-wise, the Thunder just can’t stop the Houston offense, and Westbrook is doing it all for his team.

The Warriors versus the Portland Trailblazers series is what everyone expected. The Warriors have blown the Trailblazers out of three games so far.

The only big problem for the Warriors is the fact that Kevin Durant is missing some games due to an injury. If that’s not bad enough, their head coach Steve Kerr may miss the playoffs with a back problem.

The team hopes to have them back as soon as possible because without either of them, their chances to win it all could diminish.

As for the Cleveland Cavaliers-Indiana Pacers games, it has been uncontested but contested. Cleveland has swept the series against the Pacers winning all four, but three of them have been close games.

With Cleveland’s dominant team, the games against the Pacers shouldn’t have to come down to the final five minutes. Speculation on the reasons behind it has been their arrogance due to recently winning a championship, and their lack of defensive prowess.

All of these questions and concerns are coming against an seventh seed.

Cause for concern is justifiable, but most believe the team will turn it on especially in the finals, where they are expected to be.

The overall consensus is that the avaliers will be playing the Warriors in the NBA finals. If they are to, it will be the third straight finals meeting between the two and with the acquisition of Kevin Durant, I feel it gives them an unfair advantage.

Senior Chase Cunningham doesn’t think so, though.

“The Cavs are gonna win the finals, they’re too physical,” Cunningham said,

I personally believe the Warriors will be the 2017 champs because there team is just stacked with stars. Along with that, the Cavaliers have struggled on defense, allowing over 100 points in their four games to a lackluster Indiana.

This leads me to believe they will have trouble stopping other teams in the East and will have big problems against the Warriors.