NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Series That Will Last Longer Than Expected

While the NBA Playoffs may not have as many upsets as some of the other major sports, it doesn't take away from the excitement and anticipation for the annual event.

The 2012 NBA Playoffs might not bring the thrilling upsets, but they will have series that last longer than people think.

Here are three:

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls

Sadly, the Chicago Bulls will be without the often injured Derrick Rose because of a torn ACL in Game 1 on Saturday.

Philadelphia has a great opportunity, like it or not, to hang around with Chicago in the series. Doug Collins is a fantastic coach that understands matchups and how to take advantage of Rose not being on the court.

Will it be enough?

I still think that the Bulls will find a way to end the series in six or seven games, but this series just got extremely interesting.

Prediction: Chicago in six.

Indiana Pacers vs. Orlando Pacers

I fully expected Indiana to win this series in six games, but after seeing how Orlando played in Indiana, this has seven-game material written all over it.

Orlando is more experienced than Indiana, even without superstar center Dwight Howard. They have the clear edge in that area. 

However, the talent level goes to Indiana.

I do see the Pacers being able to win the series because they are one of the better road teams in the NBA (19-14) and Orlando lost 12 games at home this season.

Roy Hibbert, Danny Granger and the Pacers find a way to get out of the first round.

Prediction: Indiana in seven.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks

Many have already penciled the Oklahoma City Thunder into the Western Conference Finals. However, they will receive one of the more difficult challenges for any top seed in the NBA Playoffs—the Dallas Mavericks.

Dallas has the heart of a lion. It is the defending NBA champion and nobody is giving them a shot to defeat the Thunder.

I'll give them a shot.

The Mavs still have that guy Dirk Nowitzki and despite a down season, he will raise his game for the playoffs. Jason Terry is still a guy capable of lighting it up from beyond the arc and Jason Kidd is one of the greatest three-point shooters of all time.

Several other guys are capable of stepping up in the big moment.

Game 1 showcased just how competitive this series is going to be when scoring champion Kevin Durant needed a lucky bounce to sink the Mavericks as the clock was winding down.

People may have expected this series to be difficult, but I think we're in for a great seven-game series despite Dallas' porous campaign.

Prediction: Thunder in seven.

NBA Schedule

Check out NBA.com for the full NBA Playoff schedule.