NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Key Things to Watch on First Day of Postseason

The NBA Playoffs begin today, and there are key things to watch in each of the four series that will tip off. 

Some of the plots will affect the teams involved in this series; some are just a sneak peek into what we can expect from the team—if they advance.

Here are the things you should play close attention to as these series begin.

(NBA Playoff Schedule - ESPN.com)

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls

Will Derrick Rose Find a Happy Medium Between Scorer and Facilitator?

The Bulls are a better team than the 76ers. They are deeper, they rebound better (46.7 to 43.2 per game) and they are more sound offensively—though, it is both teams' biggest weakness.

The Bulls have the reigning MVP to rely on for tough buckets, and to take over games when need be.

In my opinion, what Derrick Rose does in Game 1 of this series is more important to the next two series than it is in this one.

The Bulls can and will beat the Sixers—even if they aren't at their best.

For the sake of the Bulls' long-term goals, Rose needs to find a way to be a facilitator first. He must still reserve the option to take over late—or for stretches—if need be.

This will allow his supporting cast to stay involved and aggressive. This is the only way the Bulls can attain their ultimate goal of winning a championship.

Having missed 26 games, Rose and his teammates need to recapture their chemistry—with a twist.

Rose has to step back a little so that the likes of Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Richard Hamilton can step up.

This must start in Game 1 vs. the 76ers so that the Bulls can challenge and defeat Miami in the Eastern Conference finals.

New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat

The Pecking Order Must Be Established: LeBron, Wade then Bosh

LeBron James has re-established himself as the best player on the planet. He will win the NBA MVP award for the third time. Now he must capture a championship to stamp his legacy.

The only way he can do that is to be the Batman to Wade's Robin. In key stretches, James must be the player in control and the driver on offense.

Does that mean James has to take and make every big shot?

Of course not, but it does mean there can be no confusion as to who the No. 1 option is.

I believe the Heat are a better team than the Knicks. They are better defensively (92.5 points allowed per game to 94.5)—even with Tyson Chandler's outstanding effect on his team's defensive effectiveness.

The Heat can and will defeat New York—even if the Heat play like the team they were last year. 

In order for the Heat to capture the title they should have won in 2011, LeBron must drive the success with Wade and Bosh as his very capable support group.

The three are not equals, and it's time that was made apparent and conveyed on the court.

Orlando Magic vs. Indiana Pacers

Lie Down or Fight

The Magic could easily mail it in against the Pacers. Nobody expects them to put up much of a fight. 

In fact, I believe this series carries the best chance of ending in a sweep. Without Dwight Howard, the Magic are not a playoff team.

The big question is will the Magic lie down or will they give maximum effort. Either way, it could still be a sweep—but it will help determine just how much energy the Pacers have to exert to move on.

Without Howard, the Magic have no answer for Roy Hibbert, and the interior defense is sure to suffer. But a solid and spirited effort could at least earn them one win at home.

The Pacers will need every bit of energy possible to challenge the Heat, whom they figure to draw in the second round.

We will know from the Magic's opening-game effort what type of series the Pacers are in store for.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Can the Mavs Wake up and Show Championship Pride?

The Mavs don't have the inside presence on defense to defeat the Thunder. But will the Mavs at least play like champions?

They started the season still on their championship hangover, and I blame Dirk Nowitzki for that.

He seemed satisfied and complacent in the Mavs' lackluster start to the season. As the leader and best player, I felt it was his responsibility to lead by example.

He did not.

Now the Mavs are a seventh seed facing the young and superior Thunder.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the Mavs are still the champions until a team defeats them. To make this a series, they must play with that sense of pride.

Nowitzki is the key here. His regular-season numbers were down from 2011 in per-game averages of points, rebounds, assists, three-point percentage and field-goal percentage.

If the Mavs are to have any chance, he must be spectacular.

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