It's NBA Playoff time. Will this be the year that LeBron justifies that "Chosen One" label? Or will Kobe do it again and lead the Lakers to back-to-back titles? Maybe it's Melo and the wild and wacky Nuggets. Or perhaps it's time for someone else to step up? Maybe even someone who's not known by just one name: Dwight Howard or Steve Nash.

Anyway, it all kicks off this weekend with eight best-of-seven series that all but ensure the NBA champion won't be crowned til sometime in June.

First Round Rundown

Eastern Conference

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers (61-21) v #8 Chicago Bulls (41-41)

In a nutshell: The long journey towards a possible first-ever NBA title for both the Cavs and LeBron James begins here.

What to watch for: Bulls coach Vinnie Del Negro is already on thin ice after an alleged punch-up with General Manager John Paxson. A poor performance here and he's gone.

Wyatt's verdict: Cavs in 5

#2 Orlando Magic (59-23) v #7 Charlotte Bobcats (44-38)

In a nutshell: The Magic have title aspirations after making it all the way to the Finals last year. The Bobcats are just happy to be here; it's the franchise's first trip to the playoffs.

What to watch for: The Bobcats are now owned by Michael Jordan, so keep an eye out for His Airness. Actually, he'll probably be somewhere out of sight, smoking a cigar.

Wyatt's verdict: Magic in 5

#3 Atlanta Hawks (53-29) v #6 Milwaukee Bucks (46-36)

In a nutshell: This would've been the series to watch for most Aussies, but since Andrew Bogut is laid up with a broken arm, it's lost some lustre.

What to watch for: The performance of Bucks' rookie point guard Brandon Jennings, who went from high school to Europe, then into the NBA draft. He's been one of this season's biggest surprises.

Wyatt's verdict: Hawks in 5

#4 Boston Celtics (50-32) v #5 Miami Heat (47-35)

In a nutshell: The ageing Celtics are a far cry from the team that won the title two years ago. They've limped into the playoffs and are vulnerable at home. The Heat, as always, rely heavily on Dwayne Wade.

What to watch for: ESPN's Bill Simmons and other Celtic fans have been waging a war against the slothful Rasheed Wallace. Let's see if he can step it up in the playoffs. "Step it up" by the way, means "run full speed once in awhile."

Wyatt's verdict: Celtics in 6

Western Conference

#1 Los Angeles Lakers (57-25) v #8 Oklahoma City Thunder (50-32)

In a nutshell: Intriguing matchup between the defending champions and the former Sonics. Features the current best player, Kobe Bryant, against the future best player, Kevin Durant.

What to watch for: Lakers' coach Phil Jackson has already started the mind games, going public with the observation that Durant "gets to the foul line a lot." Durant has returned fire, claiming he was "disrespected." Game on.

Wyatt's verdict: Lakers in 5

#2 Dallas Mavericks (55-27) v #7 San Antonio Spurs (50-32)

In a nutshell: A Texas "derby" (no one in Texas would know what that means by the way) for the second straight year. This one will be down and dirty, because the Mavs think this is their best chance at the title, and the wily Spurs would love to knock them off.

What to watch for: Will the Mavs mid-season additions - Caron Butler and Brandan Haywood - pay dividends in the post-season?

Wyatt's verdict: Mavs in 6

#3 Phoenix Suns (54-28) v #6 Portland Trail Blazers (50-32)

In a nutshell: Any chance the Blazers had of winning this series has gone out the door with the possibly season-ending knee injury to Brandon Roy. Not only Portland's leading scorer, Roy is the heart and soul of the team. Portland sub Patty Mills could see a (very) little court time.

What to watch for: The Twitter factor. At least seven of the Suns are Tweeters, including Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619), Amar'e Stoudemire (@amareisreal) and Grant Hill (@RealGrantHill33).

Wyatt's verdict: Suns in 6

#4 Denver Nuggets (53-29) v #5 Utah Jazz (53-29)

In a nutshell: The heavily tattooed Nuggets try to win one for coach George Karl, who is battling cancer. The Jazz, as always, are smart, physical and tough to beat at home.

What to watch for: How the referees deal with Utah's insane home crowd. The NBA has already admitted to a blown call on the final play of a recent Jazz game against the Thunder in Salt Lake City.

Wyatt's verdict: Nuggets in 7

And that's it for the First Round. As my friend and former radio partner Steve Salisbury likes to say, "The NBA is about matchups," so no further predictions from me until we know who's playing in the Conference Semifinals.