NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Picks and Predictions for Tuesday's Games

The first round of the 2012 NBA playoffs is moving right along and there have been some excellent matchups between the 16 hopeful teams trying to win the NBA title.

Today is going to be no different and there are three exciting games to be played.

Let’s take a look at each and predict a winner.

Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks thrashed the Ray Allen-less Celtics on Sunday night and Rajon Rondo was punished for bumping into an official during the contest.

Will ATL be able to use that momentum against this proud, but aging and undermanned Boston squad?

It’ll be tough, especially if Kevin Garnett plays up to his ability in the low post. If it weren’t for the terrible first quarter Boston played, that game would've been a lot closer.

Look for Beantown to grind out a tough but important win on the road tonight.

Prediction: Celtics 88—Hawks 85

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls

Philadelphia caught the biggest break of the playoffs so far with Derrick Rose going down for the year with an ACL injury in Game 1.

It’s going to be impossible for Chicago to replace him, but they are still a good team that went to battle countless times without their superstar this season.

The Bulls are talented enough without Rose to advance past the 76ers, but it won't be nearly as easy for them and it’s no longer a guarantee.

It's still safe to expect Chi-town to squeak one out without their leader here at home.

Prediction: Bulls 87—76ers 85

Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Andrew Bynum’s size may prove to be the deciding factor in this series.

While Kobe Bryant shouldered the scoring load with 31 points, Bynum did everything else. The big man put in 12 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and swatted 10 shots, recording his first career playoff triple-double in a 103-88 victory over the Nuggets.

Los Angeles opened up a 27-14 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, with Bynum keeping the Denver attackers out of the paint and away from the rim.

If the emerging star center can continue playing great defense like this, the Nuggets have no chance.

Prediction: Lakers 101—Nuggets 97