NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Ranking Watchability of Monday's Showdowns

On Monday, you’ll be forced to make a decision that you’ll reap the consequences of for the rest of your life.

David Stern set you up for failure, two NBA playoff games will air at the exact same time. Don’t panic. If you’re hopelessly stranded with just a single TV, I’m here to help.

Here is Monday’s schedule as well as which games you must prioritize (via NBA.com):

3. Orlando Magic at Indiana Pacers – 7:30 p.m. EST

A Dwight Howard-less Magic squad made this series interesting with a Game 1 win after it looked like the Pacers would sweep them. Their matchup is still the least watchable game of the night, though. Unless you’re a fan of either team, don’t switch between channels to risk of missing any of these next contests.

2. New York Knicks at Miami Heat – 7:00 p.m. EST

Of course, this ranking is subject to change if the Heat get up by 47 again by 7:30 real time. New York should put up more of a fight in Game 2 than they did previously, I mean, it couldn’t get much worse. Miami actually swept the Knicks 3-0 in the regular season, but not nearly by a margin like Saturday night’s.

And in terms of star power—LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire, Chris Both—this game is superior to Orlando vs. Indiana.

1. Dallas Mavericks at Oklahoma City Thunder – 9:30 p.m. EST

Fans will remember Game 1 of this Western Conference series forever. Dirk Nowitzki was clutch as he put the Mavs on his back down the stretch, eventually taking the lead with under a minute to play. Kevin Durant just happened to be more clutch, sinking a shot that rivaled Shawn Marion’s in ugliness with 1.5 seconds left in regulation.

You would have to be clinically insane to miss this game.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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