NBA playoffs predictions: Expert picks for every first-round series, with Lakers, Warriors favored to move on

The NBA has a bit of a reputation for chalky playoffs. Recent history suggests otherwise. It was only two years ago, for instance, the second round featured one team holding every seed between No. 1 and No. 8. Last year's conference finals featured only one top-two seed. This is the NBA's parity era. That means condensed standings in the regular season and upsets in the playoffs.

It's our job now to figure out where those upsets are going to come. Now that (most) first-round matchups are set, the CBS Sports NBA staff went matchup-by-matchup to make our picks to advance to the final eight. Some of these matchups are pretty straightforward. You'll be shocked to hear that we expect the defending champion Boston Celtics to advance against the Orlando Magic. Others, especially in the packed middle of the standings, are far more complicated.

Below are our staff picks for the first round. Some of us will look brilliant. Others, foolish. If recent NBA history is any indication, expect a bit more of the latter than the former. While there are a few juggernauts at the top of the bracket, it's anyone's guess as to who will emerge as their greatest threats as the playoffs progress.

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