Finally, the regular season is over and the NBA Playoffs are set. Everybody knows that they’re way too long (let’s shorten each series to a best of three!), but with all these games over the next couple of months, there are going to be some exciting finishes. Let’s take a look at the keys to each first round matchup:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Detroit vs. #8 Orlando (Pistons won the season series, 4-0)
No Ben Wallace? No problem. The Pistons have done just fine without Wallace, taking advantage of the Sixers decision to buyout Chris Webber’s contract. Meanwhile, Dwight Howard has taken advantage of the Pistons’ lack of interior defense, posting 21/14 in four losses. Expect a big series from Howard, but the Pistons are better at every other position, and should win in four or five games.

#4 Miami vs. #5 Chicago (Bulls, 3-1)
The Bulls blew a great opportunity to wrap up the #2 seed and a relatively easy road to the Eastern Conference Finals by losing at New Jersey last night. Now they’ll have to go through Miami and (probably) Detroit to get there. This series depends on the health of Dwyane Wade. Which guy is going to show up – the 25+ point Wade that we saw most of the season or the 15-point version we’ve seen in April? If he’s truly back, then we’ll see if Ben Wallace is worth the money, because the Bulls will have to keep Shaq under control to advance. This series is the most compelling in the East, and the Bulls should have the youth and health to get by the defending champs. Besides, since they have the better regular season record, they have home court advantage.

#2 Cleveland vs. #7 Washington (Cavs, 2-1)
LeBron James and Gilbert Arenas treated us to a great series last season, but the Wizards have limped into the postseason after losing their star. This series should be over quickly.

#3 Toronto vs. #6 New Jersey (season series tied, 2-2)
This is the other compelling series in the East. The Nets have all the stars – Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson – to make a deep run, but the upstart Raptors are coming off their best season in years and Chris Bosh leads a balanced team. With their experience, the Nets probably should win this series, but the Raptors are dangerous.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Dallas vs. #Golden State (Warriors, 3-0)
That’s not a typo. Golden State has beaten Dallas five straight times and won six of the last seven, so they have the juice to win a game or two in this series. Hell, if the Mavs aren’t focused, it could go to a Game 7, but it’s doubtful that it will get that far. The series pits both coaches against their former teams – Don Nelson used to coach the Mavs and Avery Johnson played point for Golden State – so these teams know each other very well. Don’t be surprised if things get chippy.

#4 Utah vs. #5 Houston (Jazz, 3-1)
Houston had the better regular season record, so they will host Game 7 if it comes to that. This series pits two hard-working, defensive teams and should be a knock down, drag out fight. With a healthy Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, the Rockets hold a slight advantage. Either team could give the Mavs a good run in the second round, but this series might take too much out of the winner.

#2 Phoenix vs. #7 Los Angeles Lakers (Suns, 3-1)
The Lakers took the Suns to a seventh game last year, but these Lakers just don’t look as good. Oh, and last year, the Suns didn’t have Amare Stoudemire, either. The guy has been on an absolute tear, averaging 20/10 after sitting out much of last season due to a knee injury. The Suns should win this series in five, allowing for one of those games where Kobe takes the Lakers on his back and wills them to a victory.

#3 San Antonio vs. #6 Denver (Spurs, 2-1)
This series will be a contrast in styles. On one hand, you have the Nuggets who want to push the ball with Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony, and on the other, you have the Spurs who play a deliberate, grind-it-out game. Defense usually wins in the playoffs, so the Spurs have the advantage. Still, it will be fun to watch Iverson play his first playoff game as a Nugget.

The action tips off this weekend with four games on Saturday (ESPN & ABC) and four games on Sunday (TNT & ABC).