March 8, 2013; Orlando FL, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The 44 win, 6th seeded Atlanta Hawks would not have qualified for the 8th seed in the West. Winning that many games against Western Conference teams would have been unlikely, as well. But after somehow unloading Joe Johnson’s ridiculous contract and letting the Josh Smith contract play itself out (free agency looms), the Hawks were to be in limbo this year. They were supposed to be waiting for Dwight Howard or Chris Paul or someone new to turn the Hawks into something more not like the Hawks. Instead they’ve gotten a boost in production from their point guard and a return to form from one of their old big 3 — and they’re going to get an overly physical first round playoff series against the Pacers. Pretty nice transition year.

Pacers probable starting lineup:

PG George Hill

SG Lance Stephenson

SF Paul George

PF David West

C Roy Hibbert

The Stephenson transformation from over-sized ego’d big mouth New Yorker to dependable rotation player this year has been a pleasant story for the Pacers. Of course, so has Paul George, who has come into his own as a scoring, playmaking, jack-of-all-trades (who was taken 6 spots after the Wolves drafted Wes Johnson at #4 in 2010, just saying). George was dealing with a strained abdomen in the final weeks of the regular season, but should be ready to go.

The development of Stephenson alongside Paul — who’s stepped up for injured, supposed franchise guy Danny Granger — is a boon for the Pacers, who broke the bank last summer on Hibbert, have Hill locked up until 2017,  have only one year left on Granger’s deal, and have a decision to make on David West.

Hawks probable starting lineup:

PG Jeff Teague

SG Devin Harris

SF Kyle Korver

PF Josh Smith

C Al Horford

The Hawks have no real quality depth on their bench and no real center to combat Hibbert, but with only Horford, John Jenkins and the injured Lou Williams signed beyond this year they have a ton of options this offseason. And it’s coming soon.

Prediction: Pacers in 4.

Apr 13, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) reacts during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum. Los Angeles Clippers defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 91-87. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden–USA TODAY Sports

The Clips shot the 10th most 3s in the league this year while the Grizz practically ignored them altogether. The Grizz could play 5 guys 40+ minutes, while the Clips go 9 or 10 deep.

Clippers probable starting lineup:

PG Chris Paul

SG Chauncey Billups

SF Caron Butler

PF Blake Griffin

C DeAndre Jordan

Billups’ minutes will be limited due to Father Time’s nagging injuries, but he’s said to feel fine. The Clippers have more quality depth than Memphis with Jamal Crawford, Matt Barnes, Eric Bledsoe, Willie Green and Lamar Odom coming off the bench.

The quickness of Tony Allen is likely to be wasted on Billups. An intriguing cross-matchup with Allen on Paul and Conley on Green, Crawford or Bledsoe when Billups ends up missing time could turn the tide for Memphis.

Grizzlies probable starting lineup:

PG Mike Conley

SG Tony Allen

SF Tayshaun Prince

PF Zach Randolph

C Marc Gasol

Z-Bo stands a chance against Griffin inside, but is likely to foul out if Blake can get him on the perimeter and try and take him off the dribble. Ed Davis could end up getting some significant minutes, which could be interesting, but letting Blake shoot 15-footers is a good strategy.

The matchup in the middle poses some serious contrasts, with Gasol’s mammoth, immovable presence inside and deft touch in the high post (for 13 million dollars this year) lining up against Jordan’s athletic and… dunking… blocking shots… fouling… (for 10 million dollars this year.)

Unlike the Eastern Conference’s 4/5 matchup of terribly slow and boring teams, this one has a highlight factory with depth and a serious defense with size — so you could at least argue they each would have a shot against the #1 seed next round.

I like the Clips’ depth and ability to hit the 3 and Memphis’ better frontline and coach, just not their ability to consistently hit shots.

Prediction: Clippers in 7.