NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Predicting Tuesday's Crucial Postseason Clashes

The NBA Playoffs started with a bang, a bump and a fallen Rose. It's time to break down what that means for Game 2 in some of the more exciting series to date. 

Tuesday comes complete with injury and suspension ramifications and a contending team that looks all the more dangerous after a solid Game 1 outing. 

The three games listed couldn't feature more different matchups, but they all have the formula to keep us captivated from start to finish. 

Let's jump right in and discuss the three clashes that are crucial for the teams involved. 

Tuesday, May 1st (All Times Eastern) 

1. Boston at Atlanta: 7:30 p.m. Fox Sports South and NBA TV

Game 2 - Hawks lead 1-0

This series could have started better for the Boston Celtics. Josh Smith started off hot, Kevin Garnett looked over matched and then Rajon Rondo went and made it all worse. 

The Celtics dropped Game 1, but not before Rondo bumped his chest into referee Marc Davis. He is now out for Game 2, according to ESPN. 

The Celtics weren't enough with their best player, and will surely suffer without him. 

Prediction: Hawks Win 

2. Philadelphia at Chicago: 8:00 p.m. Comcast Sports Chicago and TNT 

Game 2 - Bulls lead 1-0

Chicago Bulls' fate is far worse than Boston's. They will also be without their main man in Derrick Rose, but his return will be far after this postseason has ended as he went down with a torn ACL in Game 1. 

The fact of the matter is the Bulls still have more than enough to win the series. I also believe we will see one last surge of energy as Chicago rallies around their fallen comrade. 

This series will go to Chicago, which is the last blip of good news. 

Prediction: Bulls Win 

3. Denver at L.A. Lakers: 10:30 p.m. FOX West and TNT 

Game 2 - Lakers lead 1-0

The Lakers finally flipped that switch, but it remains to be seen if they keep it on. Andrew Bynum simply dominated, featuring a triple double that included 10 blocks. 

If they play like this on Tuesday, no team can beat them. 

Prediction: Lakers Win

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