Whether you like it or not, the 2018-2019 midseason is officially over. But NBA legends Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks) and Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat) unfortunately missed it and are now declaring retirement. But both went out with a bang! With Wade dropping a whopping 25-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist triple double against the Nets, and Nowitzki, against the Spurs had an astounding 20-point, 10-rebound double-double in their finales of their grand careers.

But the midseason may be over for now, but now enters something fans been waiting months to see. The postseason! The playoffs are here, and here are the matchups for the first round! Starting in the Eastern Conference we have the Milwaukee Bucks (1) led by their superstar, MVP-candidate* Giannis Antetokounmpo and all-Star Khris Middleton facing the Detroit Pistons (8) coached by current COTY* Dwane Casey and led by their all-star Blake Griffin. Then we have the Toronto Raptors (2) led by their superstar Kawhi Leonard, and their current franchise leader in Triple-Doubles and 3PM*, all-star Kyle Lowry, and MIP* candidate, Pascal Siakam facing the Orlando Magic (7) led by their all-star Nikola Vučević. Up next you have the Philadelphia 76ers (3) led by stars, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons (and Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris, their veterans) facing the Brooklyn Nets (6) led by all-star and MIP candidate D’Angelo Russell. Finally, you have the Boston Celtics (4) led by all-star Kyrie Irving and rising star Jayson Tatum facing the injured Indiana Pacers (5) led currently by DPOY* candidate, Myles Turner.

Now in the wild, wild Western Conference you have the reigning champions, Golden State Warriors (1) led by superstars Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, and all-star Klay Thompson facing the Los Angeles Clippers (8) with 6MOY* candidate Lou Williams. Then we have the Denver Nuggets (2) led by Nikola Jokic and current top 10 PG* Jamal Murray facing the San Antonio Spurs (7) led by all-star LaMarcus Aldridge and 4x all-star DeMar DeRozan. Next, we have the battle of the star PGs, with the Portland Trailblazers (3) led by superstar Damian Lillard facing the Oklahoma City Thunder (6) led by superstar Russell Westbrook and MVP candidate Paul George. Finally, we have the Houston Rockets (4) led by MVP candidate James Harden and HOF* bound player Chris Paul facing the Utah Jazz (5) led by star team captains Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. Now tune in Saturday, April 13, 2019 to watch!!

*MVP-Most Valuable Player

COTY-Coach of the Year

3PM-Three Pointers Made

MIP- Most Improved Player

DPOY- Defensive Player of the Year

6MOY- Sixth Man of the Year

PG- Point Guard

HOF- Hall of Fame