James Harden Rockets Jazz
James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets goes up for a shot defended by Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz in the second half during Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 2, 2018 in Houston. Tim Warner/Getty Images

The 2019 NBA Playoffs are set with the postseason scheduled to begin Saturday. Most of the higher seeds should win their respective first-round series, though the Western Conference could offer a few potential upsets.

Here are the first-round matchups, including predictions for each series.

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Detroit Pistons

The Pistons have no chance against the Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo should dominate. Detroit will have trouble scoring against one of the NBA's best defenses, especially if Blake Griffin is still banged up. Milwaukee will need five games at most.

Prediction: Bucks in five

Toronto Raptors vs. Orlando Magic

Orlando will be lucky to take a game from Toronto. The Magic have been a really good defensive team in 2019, but Kawhi Leonard is far better than anyone on Orlando, and the Raptors arguably have the three best players in the series.

Prediction: Raptors in four

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets

Joel Embiid's knee injury could make this an interesting series. Philadelphia probably still has too much star power to lose to Brooklyn, but the Nets might be a tough out. D'Angelo Russell needs to go off to give Brooklyn a chance to pull off the upset.

Prediction: 76ers in six

Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers

The Pacers can't beat one of the East's top four teams without Victor Oladipo. Indiana was basically a .500 team without their best player. Al Horford and Kyrie Irving should both have a very big series.

Prediction: Celtics in five

Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Golden State hasn't needed more than five games to get through the first round since their dynasty began, and this won't be any different. Don't expect the Warriors to even lose one game.

Prediction: Warriors in four

Denver Nuggets vs. San Antonio Spurs

Maybe the Spurs will be able to take this to six or seven games because of their playoff experience and Denver's lack of experience. Of course, DeMar DeRozan's past postseason performances don't inspire a ton of confidence. Nikola Jokic might dominate San Antonio.

Prediction: Nuggets in six

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Here is the series in which everyone will be giving the lower seed a great chance to win, as well they should. Portland has experienced too many injuries to their best players with CJ McCollum barely playing over the last month and Jusuf Nurkic done for the season. As long as Russell Westbrook doesn't shoot the Thunder out of this series, they should advance.

Prediction: Thunder in six

Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz

The Jazz are going to give the Rockets more trouble than people think. Rudy Gobert and Utah's defense won't stop James Harden, but they've got a chance to slow him down for a game or two and make this a competitive series.

Prediction: Rockets in six

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