NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: First-Round Series We Can't Wait to See in Primetime

The NBA has released a portion of their 2012 playoff schedule, and there are a few series and a few potential series that will lead to incredible drama in primetime.

That's what the NBA playoffs are known for—drama—and you can expect plenty of it during the 2012 postseason.

There are some great team matchups, incredible storylines and a few moments that you're not going to want to miss.

Here are a few first-round series that we at Bleacher Report can't wait to see:

Indiana Pacers vs. Orlando Magic

The Pacers are an up-and-coming young team in the NBA, while the Magic are on the brink of disaster. Dwight Howard has been causing drama all season, and even though he's not able to play due to a back injury, he'll still be the focal point of the series unfortunately.

As far as basketball is concerned, the series will feature a very dangerous and deep Pacers team that has all the tools to beat the Magic. Danny Granger is a capable scorer, notching 18.7 points per game,  and center Roy Hibbert leads the way down low for the team that is fifth in the NBA with 43.9 rebounds per game.

Without Howard, the Magic don't stand much of a chance.

I expect Indiana to win this series quite easily, and the moment you'll have to see comes the moment the final buzzer sounds on their fourth win.

Will that moment mark the end of the Dwight Howard era in Orlando?

You're guess is as good as mine, but either way, I'll be glued to the potential ending of an era.

Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks

Speaking of the end of an era, will we be watching the end of Boston's "big three" as we know it?

The Hawks, led by Joe Johnson 18.9 points are a young and athletic team, while Boston is notoriously old. If it wasn't for Rajon Rondo, the big three wouldn't even make it past half court without getting whistled for a ten-second violation.

Jokes aside, this Boston team has been one of the most dominant in NBA history. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and even Ray Allen will go down as eventual Hall-of-Fame players, but they are nearing the end of their careers.

Does Boston have enough left in the tank, or will Atlanta take another step?

Either way, this is a Celtic's team that is worth a watch, because they won't look like this for much longer.

Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks (Potentially)

This matchup is still not yet settled, as it could be the Heat and 76ers and Bulls against the Knicks instead, but this would be the preferable matchup by far.

If there's a team that can keep up with the Heat scoring-wise it would be the Knicks. Carmelo Anthony is averaging 22.6 points per game and has the scoring ability to absolutely go off once or twice during the playoffs.

Even though the Heat are by far the better team, the Knicks can be very dangerous and may be able to pull off an upset win or two. Plus the drama of LeBron at the Garden at least twice would make this series an incredible watch.

Here's hoping that our wish is granted and we get to see these two teams go head to head.