NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Day-by-Day Game Times and Most Likely Matchups

The 2012 NBA Playoffs are set to tip off this weekend with a full set off four games on each Saturday and Sunday, which promises to be a fiesta of basketball for the NBA fan.

According to an NBA press release, via Iamagm.com, the slate for this weekend looks as follows:

"

Saturday, April 28
Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks or Philadelphia 76ers
Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks or Philadelphia 76ers
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks or Denver Nuggets
Indiana Pacers vs. Orlando Magic

Sunday, April 29
San Antonio Spurs vs. Utah Jazz
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks or Denver Nuggets
Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Clippers

"

The full playoff schedule with dates and times throughout the first round will be released following the conclusion of Thursday night's games.

Saturday's schedule is especially interesting, with both of the top seeds in the Eastern Conference (Chicago and Miami) in action as well as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference in the Oklahoma City Thunder.

A potential Knicks-Heat series as well as the defending champion Dallas Mavericks against Kevin Durant and the Thunder is must-see television.

On Sunday, the Clippers-Grizzlies matchup immediately jumps out as one that could be exciting to watch. In addition, multi-time champions in the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics will all be in action.

When the NBA releases the full playoff schedule, I will update you with dates and times throughout the first round.