Western Conference

No. 1 San Antonio Spurs (62-20) vs. No. 8 Dallas Mavericks (49-33) Game 1: 11 a.m. Sunday, TNT Season series: Spurs, 4-0 Story line: The Spurs were 28.2 seconds from an NBA title last year in Miami, the rope that would be used to cordon off the court was in place ... then the Heat had other ideas. And while that obviously stung the Spurs, it also seemed to invigorate an older team that went on to dominate the season and win 19 straight at one point. Tim Duncan and the Spurs aren’t just trying to get back to the NBA Finals— for them, it’s all about winning the championship. Key matchup: Duncan vs. Dirk Nowitzki. These guys have been opponents since 1999, facing off 78 times— 52 in the regular season, 26 and counting now in the playoffs. Duncan is 45-33 in those games. X factors: Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green had big roles in the playoffs last year. Prediction: Spurs in five No. 4 Houston Rockets ( 54- 28) vs. No. 5 Portland Trail Blazers ( 54- 28) Game 1: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, TNT Season series: Rockets, 3-1 Story line: Houston has the home-court advantage and high hopes. But the Trail Blazers had the much stronger finish to the season, winning their final five games. Key matchup: Patrick Beverley vs. Damian Lillard. Houston’s defense improves when Beverley is on the floor to harass opposing guards. But he also was in double-figure scoring three times against Portland this season and finished with nine points and 11 rebounds in the other meeting. Lillard had three 20-point games against Houston, but the Trail Blazers’ only victory came when he shot 1-for-10 and scored eight points. X factor: Dwight Howard. Assuming he’s healthy after missing time down the stretch because of an ankle problem, the Rockets expect him to deliver points at one end and help slow LaMarcus Aldridge at the other. Prediction: Trail Blazers in seven