Weekend games

Saturday (times ET) Indiana at Toronto, 12:30 p.m. ESPN Houston at Golden State, 3:30 p.m. ABC Boston at Atlanta, 7 p.m., ESPN Dallas at Oklahoma City, 9:30 p.m., ESPN Sunday (times ET) Detroit at Cleveland, 3 p.m., ABC Charlotte at Miami,

5:30 p.m., TNT Memphis at San Antonio, 8 p.m., TNT Portland at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m., TNT

Western Conference

(1) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS. (8) HOUSTON ROCKETS

Season series: Golden State 3-0 Starting lineups: Warriors — Stephen Curry (31.4 ppg, 7 apg), Klay Thompson (23.9 ppg, 2.2 apg), Harrison Barnes (13.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Draymond Green (14.5 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 7.7 apg), Andrew Bogut (9.3 ppg, 12.3 rpg).

Rockets — Patrick Beverley (9.9 ppg, 3.2 apg), James Harden (28.9 ppg, 7.5 apg), Trevor Ariza (12.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Donatas Motiejunas (6.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg), Dwight Howard (13.7 ppg, 11.8 rpg).

Warriors win if: They play like themselves. The Rockets were one of the biggest disappointments this season from the get-go, and although they have the potential to keep up with upper-echelon teams at times, their inconsistencies should continue to haunt them. Did we mention that the Warriors just completed the winningest regular season in NBA history? Rockets win if: They magically become the team that they were last season. Even if that happens, they lost in five games in the Western Conference finals to a lesser Warriors team last year.

NEED TO KNOW Warriors: Lost to the Rockets once in last 10 meetings. Rockets: Had 15 more losses than last season. Sam Amick’s pick: Warriors in 4; Jeff Zillgitt’s pick: Warriors in 4. (2) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS. (7) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Season series: San Antonio 4-0

Starting lineups: Spurs — Tony Parker (11.9 ppg, 5.3 apg), Danny Green (7.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg), Kawhi Leonard (21.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg), LaMarcus Aldridge (18.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg), Tim Duncan (8.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg). Grizzlies — Jordan Farmar (9.2 ppg, 3.0 apg), Tony Allen (8.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg), Matt Barnes (10.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Zach Randolph (15.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg), Chris Andersen (4.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg).

Spurs win if: They play Spurs basketball. Barring some sort of unforeseen catastrophe, Gregg Popovich’s squad will move on to the second round. Grizzlies win if: They play like they have nothing to lose; then, the chance of an upset becomes slightly less minuscule. NEED TO KNOW Spurs: The last time they faced Memphis in the playoffs, they swept them in the Western Conference finals. Grizzlies: In the 2011 playoffs, they beat the Spurs 4-2 as an eighth seed. Amick: Spurs in 4; Zillgitt: Spurs in 5. (3) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS. (6) DALLAS MAVERICKS Season series: Oklahoma City 4-0 Starting lineups: Thunder — G Russell Westbrook (23.5 ppg, 10.4 apg), G Andre Roberson (4.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg), F Kevin Durant (28.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg), F Serge Ibaka (12.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg), C Steven Adams (8.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg). Maver

icks — G Deron Williams (14.1 ppg, 5.8 apg), G Wesley Matthews (12.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg), F Chandler Parsons (13.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg), F Dirk Nowitzki (18.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg), C Zaza Pachulia (8.6 ppg, 9.4 rpg).

Thunder win if: They stay consistent and close out games. This season has been frustrating for the Thunder faithful, who have seen their team fold in lategame situations countless times. That being said, Westbrook and Durant provide matchup nightmares for Rick Carlisle and the Mavericks. Williams has lost a step on the defensive end, and nobody in Dallas’ frontcourt or backcourt can match Durant’s length and versatility. Durant torched Dallas in three meetings this season, averaging 25.7 points and making 51.9% of his shots from the field. Westbrook stuffed the stat book in four games, averaging 17.8 points, 9.8 assists, 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 steals.

Mavericks win if: They can somehow contain Oklahoma City’s scoring. The Mavs average 102.4 points a game, which is great, except the Thunder average a little more than 110 (second in the NBA behind Golden State). You can’t stop the Thunder’s offense, only contain it or keep up with it. To keep up, they’ll need Nowitzki’s usual scoring and more, including major contributions from Matthews and Parsons. NEED TO KNOW This is the third time Nowitzki and Durant have met in the playoffs, with Dallas and Oklahoma City splitting the two meetings in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Amick: Thunder in 5; Zillgitt: Thunder in 5. (4) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS. (5) PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS Season series: Los Angeles 3-1 Starting lineups: Clippers — Chris Paul (19.5 ppg, 10.0 apg), J.J. Redick (16.3 ppg, 1.4 apg), Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (3.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg), Blake Griffin (21.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg), DeAndre Jordan (12.7 ppg, 13.8 rpg). Trail Blazers — Damian Lillard (25.1 ppg, 6.9 apg), C.J. McCollum (20.9 ppg, 4.3 apg), Maurice Harkless (6.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg), Al-Farouq Aminu (10.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg), Mason Plumlee (9.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg).

Clippers win if: They carry the momentum from the end of the season (9-1 in last 10 games) and Griffin returns to his old self.

Trail Blazers win if: They play an aggressive brand of basketball and don’t let the lack of postseason experience on their roster get in the way. NEED TO KNOW Clippers: This is their fifth consecutive postseason appearance. Trail Blazers: They rank third in points per game since the All-Star break. Amick: Clippers in 6; Zillgitt: Clippers in 6.

Eastern Conference

(1) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS VS. (8) DETROIT PISTONS Season series: Detroit 3-1 Starting lineups: Cavaliers — G Kyrie Irving (19.6 pgg, 4.7 apg), G J.R. Smith (12.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg), F LeBron James (25.3 ppg, 6.8 apg), F Kevin Love (16.0 ppg, 9.9 rpg), C Tristan Thompson (7.9 ppg, 9.1 rpg). Pistons — G Reggie Jackson (18.8 ppg, 6.2 apg), G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (14.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg), F Tobias Harris (14.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg), F Marcus Morris (14.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg), C Andre Drummond (16.2 ppg, 14.8 rpg).

Cavaliers win if: James maintains his current form. James said he was flipping into playoff mode a bit earlier this season, and he kept his word. Over his last 10 games, James has averaged 28.4 points, 8.5 assists and eight rebounds on 62% shooting. He was ruthlessly efficient (13-for-16 for 34 points) in the Cavs’ win against the Atlanta Hawks, which clinched the East’s top seed. Irving might not be a pass-first point guard, but he doesn’t need to be when James runs the point as often as he does. Thompson, a recent addition to the Cavs’ starting lineup, should give Detroit’s frontcourt fits.

Pistons win if: They defend, rebound and avoid a fast-paced series and get a few lucky breaks. Drummond has averaged 20.3 points and 13.6 rebounds in three matchups vs. Cleveland this year, and the Pistons can review film of their Feb. 22 win, when they forced James into one of his worst games of the season. Jackson is navigating a recent abdominal strain but isn’t expected to miss time for the playoffs. In reality, there isn’t much pressure on the Pistons, who are in the playoffs for the first time since 2008-09. Not to mention, Stan Van Gundy’s coaching acumen far outweighs that of first-year coach Tyronn Lue. NEED TO KNOW Cavaliers: James is 10-0 in the first round in his NBA career. Amick: Cavaliers in 5; Zillgitt: Cavaliers in 4. (2) TORONTO RAPTORS VS. (7) INDIANA PACERS Season series: Toronto 3-1

Starting lineups: Raptors — G Kyle Lowry (21.2 ppg, 6.4 apg), G DeMar DeRozan (23.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg), G Norman Powell (5.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg), F Luis Scola (8.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg), C Jonas Valanciunas (12.8 ppg, 9.8 rpg). Pacers — G George Hill (12.1 ppg, 3.1 apg), G Monta Ellis (13.8 ppg, 4.7 apg), F Paul George (23.1 ppg, 7.0 rpg), F Lavoy Allen (5.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg); C Ian Mahinmi (9.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg).

Raptors win if: Toronto has the edge talent-wise in this series, but its success in slowing George will determine how long this series lasts. Defensive stalwart DeMarre Carroll returned from a lingering knee injury just before the playoffs. His minutes will be closely monitored, while Lowry and DeRozan will be responsible for running one of the top five offenses in the league. Those two, along with Terrence Ross, have a penchant for firing from deep and could overwhelm a Pacers defense that resides in the bottom third of the NBA. Additionally, Valanciunas must avoid costly fouls while battling Indiana’s superior frontcourt depth.

Pacers win if: George averaged 22.6 points and 7.6 rebounds in the postseason before his horrific leg injury. That he’s come back this regular season and posted nearly identical numbers is remarkable, but the Pacers need help from all angles, especially with George likely to get all the attention from Toronto’s defense. Of the Ellis-C.J. Miles-Hill trio, one must play better than his role-player status. Since his torrid run around the All- Star break, Myles Turner has seemingly hit the rookie wall. Just what type of production Indiana might get from its rookie remains a giant unknown. That being said, the Pacers have made deep postseason runs before — something the Raptors can’t claim.

NEED TO KNOW Raptors: They set a franchise record for wins this season but haven’t won a postseason series since 2001.

Pacers: They lead the NBA with 21 losses this season in games where they were ahead or behind by three points or fewer during the final minute of regulation. Amick: Raptors in 6; Zillgitt: Raptors in 6.

(3) MIAMI HEAT VS. (6) CHARLOTTE HORNETS Season series: Tied 2-2 Starting lineups: Heat —G Goran Dragic (14.1 ppg, 5.9 apg), G Dwyane Wade (19.1 ppg, 4.6 apg), F Joe Johnson (12.2 ppg, 4.0 apg), F Luol Deng (12.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg), C Hassan Whiteside (14.2 ppg, 11.9 rpg), Amar’e Stoudemire (5.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg). Hornets —G Kemba Walker (21.1 ppg, 5.2 apg), G Courtney Lee (9.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg), F Nicolas Batum (14.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg), F Marvin Williams (11.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg), C Cody Zeller (8.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg).

Heat win if: Their seasoned veterans can keep up the pace. At the All- Star break, the teams outlook was less than stellar. Add Chris Bosh’s injury to the mix, and it looked as if the Heat would be playing for a draft pick instead of the No. 3 seed in the East. Despite losing their best player, the Heat added veteran sharpshooter Johnson and moved Deng to Bosh’s vacant power forward position, returning to the small-ball lineup that brought them two championships in the LeBron James era. Johnson has averaged 15 points in his last seven games. Wade has managed to stay healthy this season, playing 70plus games for the first time since the 2010-11 season. Sprinkle in the low-post dominance of youngster Whiteside and surehanded Dragic at the point and Miami has the recipe for longterm playoff success. Hornets win if: Walker can continue to shine. Over his last 15 games Walker has averaged just south of 22 points and three three-pointers a game. His offensive spark will provide a real test for the Miami defense, but the 25-year-old can’t do it alone. Walker averaged 19.5 points, 5.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds in four games against the Heat this season, but production from Nicolas Batum and Jeremy Lin off the bench will be key for the Hornets if they plan to knock off Miami. The Hornets also will need to contain Whiteside down low and keep the big man from taking over the paint. NEED TO KNOW

The last time the Hornets, then known as the Bobcats, made the playoffs (2013-14), they were swept by the Heat in the first round. Amick: Heat in 7; Zillgitt: Heat in 7.

(4) ATLANTA HAWKS VS. (5) BOSTON CELTICS Season series: Atlanta 3-1

Starting lineups: Hawks — G Jeff Teague (15.7 ppg, 6.0 apg), G Kyle Korver (9.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg), F Kent Bazemore (11.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg), F Paul Millsap (17.2 ppg), C Al Horford (15.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg).

Celtics — G Isaiah Thomas (22.2 ppg, 6.2 apg), G Avery Bradley (15.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg), F Jae Crowder (14.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg), F Amir Johnson (7.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg), C Jared Sullinger (10.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg).

Hawks win if: They continue playing their brand of basketball. The Hawks play unselfishly (second in the NBA behind the Warriors with 25.6 assists per game), have the second-best defensive rating in the league and are surging. Atlanta is 15-7 since March 1, third best among Eastern Conference squads, and Millsap has found another gear of late. In April he’s averaging 19 points and 13.4 rebounds, giving Atlanta an inside presence to help complement its three-point shooters. Don’t discount their postseason experience, either. This is a balanced, veteran team that knows how to win.

Celtics win if: They stop with their on-again, off-again defense. Their defense has typically been excellent this season, but lately, it has been extremely unpredictable. They gave up 118 points in a recent loss to Atlanta, 114 in another loss to the Hornets and fell 26 points behind the Heat in the regular-season finale before rallying to win. Perimeter defense from Bradley, Marcus Smart and Crowder will be paramount to slowing Atlanta. As for Thomas, the Celtics will need every bit of scoring they can wring out of him after he averaged nearly 26 points throughout March.

NEED TO KNOW

Celtics: Thomas is the third Celtics player (Larry Bird, John Havlicek) to have more than 1,800 points and more than 500 assists in a season.

Hawks: Their nine consecutive playoff appearances is the longest active streak in the Eastern Conference.

Amick: Celtics in 7; Zillgitt: Hawks in 7.