Presto’s Complete 2013 NBA Playoffs First Round Predictions And Series Previews

January 13, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks to pass the ball in the air while being defended by Denver Nuggets forward Corey Brewer (13) during the second half at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 116-105. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

(3) Denver Nuggets over (6) Golden State Warriors in 6

Even without Danilo Gallinari, the Nuggets still have the deepest rotation in the league. Fringe rotation players like Corey Brewer and Evan Fornier could easily be top-7 rotation guys on other teams, even good ones.

The Warriors also aren’t as good as their record may indicate, given that they went on a 15-18 tear to close the season after starting it out with a top-3 record in the West. The fact that they managed to drop so far in the standings cast aspersions about whether the team is anywhere near ready for playoff basketball.

(4) L.A. Clippers over (5) Memphis Grizzlies in 7

Mar 13, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) is defended by Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Randolph (50) at the Staples Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Clippers 96-85. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Home court is basically the reason for the Clippers winning this. The teams are very closely matched, but L.A. went 32-9 at home this season, and game seven’s usually go to the home team – 80 percent of the time, that is.

Blake Griffin also could potentially embarrass Zach Randolph really badly, though the same could apply in reverse since Griffin’s defense is not much better than Z-Bo’s (which is kind of perplexing since Blake has the athleticism to block at least two shots a game).

The Grizzlies have a far better team defense, but unless the Clips go cold coming down the stretch of the series’ final game, Memphis will find their season cut short in a 4/5 matchup that should prove to be the best and most closely matched series in the West.

That sums up the first round matchups here at Presto. A complete schedule of the first round TV coverage can be found here at Bleacher Report.

Brett David Roberts is the lead editor at Presto and a featured columnist at Bleacher Report. Follow @BDRHoops