NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: What to Look Forward to on Saturday

The schedule for the first two days of the NBA playoffs has been released, and unless you're anxious to see how bad the Golden State Warriors can tank against San Antonio's backups, it's time to look forward to playoff basketball.

The first two days promise tons of exciting action, but here's a closer look at what you want to pay attention to for Saturday's matchups, which are 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

How healthy is Derrick Rose?

Reigning MVP Derrick Rose has found it impossible to get healthy during this shortened NBA season. Whether it has been a toe or a foot or an ankle or a back, Rose has been forced to miss 27 games.

Now, the Bulls are one of the deepest teams in the NBA, so it's very possible head coach Tom Thibodeau has just been playing it extremely overly safe and has been waiting for this moment to release Rose. 

Pay close attention to both how healthy Rose looks on Saturday and if there is any rust. The Bulls can certainly take on the Knicks or 76ers without him, but the talented point guard is necessary for a deep playoff run. 

Can the Magic survive without their Dwightmare?

With their star center sidelined, the Orlando Magic have gone 3-7. You may hate the way he handles himself off the court or you may be tired beyond belief of hearing about him, but there's no denying it: DH12 is good at the game of basketball.

And the Magic miss him.

Granted, they've also had to fight through various injuries to Ryan Anderson, Glen Davis and Hedo Turkoglu during this time, but it will be tough for Orlando without its big(ger) man. 

On the flip side, the Pacers don't have a true superstar, either, but they like it that way. 

In the month of April, Indiana has gone a scorching 12-3, and it seems like Frank Vogel's crew has a different leading scorer every game.

This could be one of the most lopsided 3-6 matchups in recent history. 

Youth vs...Not Youth

It's only a a 2-7 matchup but Oklahoma City vs. Dallas (assuming Denver wins on Thursday and keeps the No. 6 spot) has the potential to be the most intriguing series of the playoffs. 

The Thunder won three out of four against Dallas during the regular season, but they have stumbled into the playoffs. OKC has gone 5-4 in its last nine, with all losses coming against playoff teams.

They are certainly beatable. 

Dallas, meanwhile, has been consistently inconsistent this season, but the Mavs, who are the defending champs, have the experience to cause the young Thunder problems. For seven games? Not so sure about that, but don't be surprised if Dallas pulls an upset on Saturday. 

LeBron vs. Carmelo

This is pending New York beating Charlotte tonight, but let's face, me and four of my readers could probably knock off the Bobcats. 

Anyways, the train known as LeBron James is coming through, but it appears Carmelo Anthony is ready to step on the tracks.

Yikes, that was corny.

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has been resting his superstars, and a rested LeBron James is going to be incredibly hard to stop.

However, Anthony has been on fire lately, averaging 29.8 points per game in April. It's been the first time all season, really, that he's looked like the offensive juggernaut we are used to.

I don't foresee an upset by New York, but it's certainly going to be fun to watch LeBron and Carmelo go head-to-head like a couple of Rams.

They could both drop 40.