2016 NBA Playoffs: The Deciding Factor In Each First Round Series

May 27, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the basketball against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the fourth quarter in game five of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Rockets 104-90 to advance to the NBA Finals. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the basketball against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the fourth quarter in game five of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Rockets 104-90 to advance to the NBA Finals. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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With the 2016 NBA Playoffs finally here, we take a look to determine the deciding factor in each and every first round series.

NBA Playoffs
May 27, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the basketball against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the fourth quarter in game five of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Rockets 104-90 to advance to the NBA Finals. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

One of many NBA Christmases has finally arrived: In just a few hours, the 2016 NBA Playoffs will be underway!

As is the case every year, we have a pretty good idea about which teams have the best shot at winning a title. But as we say every year, there’s a reason they actually play the games, since anything can happen once that ball is tipped.

Some of this year’s first round playoff matchups are filled with intrigue and could be anyone’s series. Others are pretty straight forward and the only remaining question is how many games it will take before the favorite advances.

With the first game of the 2016 NBA Playoffs rapidly approaching, it’s time to take a look at the deciding factor in each first round series, along with predictions on who will advance and why.

Next: Warriors vs. Rockets