NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Picks and Predictions for Monday's Postseason Action

The 2012 NBA playoffs have been absolutely insane. We’ve already seen a major star blow his ACL—swinging the Finals as a result—a team mount the biggest comeback from a fourth quarter deficit in postseason history and a number of amazing plays and buzzer beaters.

This madness will certainly continue tonight, so let’s take a look at each matchup and make a prediction.

New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat at 7:00 p.m. ET on TNT

The Knicks were decimated in Game 1 by a hungry Heat team out to prove the doubters wrong. New York ended up losing by 33, but the most concerning thing to take away was how little they seemed care about the loss.

Without Iman Shumpert (out for 6-8 months with a torn ACL), it’s going to be an uphill battle to find someone able to guard Dwyane Wade from the 2-guard position.

Throw in the fact that LeBron James may be playing the best basketball of his career and this is another easy win in South Beach.

Prediction: Heat 97 – Knicks 85

Orlando Magic vs. Indiana Pacers at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV

Orlando shocked the world by winning their first playoff game without Dwight Howard since 2003. Now they are hoping to win their first series without the big man since 1996—Shaq’s last season in the Magic Kingdom.

Game 1 of this war was tightly contested and ultimately came down to experience. The Pacers simply don’t have much and it’s a large reason why Danny Granger choked and traveled with time expiring and a chance to tie the game.

Expect Indy to be a little more relaxed in this game and find a way to even the series at home before heading to Florida for two more contests.

Prediction: Pacers 97 – Orlando 92

Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT

The Mavericks nearly proved that veteran savvy and experience trumps youthful legs and skill.

That is, until Kevin Durant received the ball and fired off a miracle shot that would put the Thunder up a point with less than two seconds left.

The OKC star was not to going to let the team that beat him in the Western Conference Finals in 2011 steal a win on his court.

It just proved how much these teams have changed in less than a year. The Thunder gained invaluable experience by being humbled in that series loss last year. Dallas may have gotten cocky and content.

Expect OKC to capitalize on the momentum they seized on Saturday and win another on their home floor.

Prediction: Thunder 100 – Mavericks 95