NBA Releases Preliminary Schedule for First 2012 Playoff Games

This morning, the NBA released the preliminary schedule for the first games of the 2012 NBA playoffs. Specific times will be determined once all the match-ups are set.

Eastern Conference

Philadelphia/New York at Chicago Saturday, April 28

New York/Philadelphia at Miami Saturday, April 28

Orlando at Indiana Saturday, April 28

Boston at Atlanta Sunday, April 29

OR Atlanta at Boston Sunday, April 29

Western Conference

Utah at San Antonio Sunday, April 29

Dallas/Denver at Oklahoma City Saturday, April 28

Denver/Dallas at L.A. Lakers Sunday, April 29

L.A. Clippers at Memphis Sunday, April 29

OR Memphis at L.A. Clippers Sunday, April 29

Judging from past years, we'll have Chicago start things off Saturday morning, and get the Lakers for a nice Sunday afternoon game. I think the Heat would probably play on Saturday too, but most likely after the Chicago game. 

The Clippers' loss to New York last night put the Grizzlies in a fantastic situation. A win Thursday over Orlando makes them the fourth seed. A loss, and they'll be playing in Los Angeles to start the playoffs.

Word is that Philadelphia would prefer to face Chicago as opposed to Miami, so expect them to get that eighth spot in the East.

Will the Dallas Mavericks defend their title? Has Metta World Peace ruined the Los Angeles Lakers run for their 18th championship? Can squads like the Los Angeles Clippers and the New York Knicks make some noise? Are the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Miami Heat on a crash course to face one another in the NBA finals? The playoffs are here!

As games finish up today, updated schedules will be posted.