11.   At the same time, no lower-division matchup is more exciting today.

12.   At this point, the two most compelling potential matchups are games that will not take place.

13.   Atlanta entered its game against the Chiefs on Sunday night looking for the matchup to be a barometer of just how far the Falcons had come.

14.   Both these teams can shoot extremely well from the perimeter, the good matchup will be Hardaway vs. Hardaway.

15.   After losing to the Lakers, the Spurs realized that such a matchup might not be as lopsided as previously thought.

16.   After their semifinal matchup was set, they still had to go out and play a third-round doubles match together.

17.   All four first-round matchups have been emotional, controversial battles and each has gone to the three-game limit.

18.   Bulls coach Phil Jackson said the Kukoc-Horace Grant matchup would be the key to the series.

19.   But clearly this matchup is different.

20.   But another important matchup will be among the big men on the forward lines.