NBA Playoffs Schedule 2012: Upcoming Matchups You Can't Miss

Loads of hype surrounds the NBA playoffs every year, and this postseason hasn't disappointed thus far. With each series no more than two games in, each matchup has been nothing less than spectacular.

The NBA playoffs stand on a mountainous platform where anything can happen on any given night. There have already been unexpected comebacks and storylines that could effect the outcome of a few matchups.

With some important factors coming into play, there are some important matchups around the corner of this postseason.

Here are four crucial games that shouldn't be missed.

Philadelphia 76ers @ Chicago Bulls, Game 2 Tuesday, 8 PM on TNT

Chicago has played a great deal of the regular season with Derrick Rose injured on the bench. To the credit of the team and head coach Tom Thibodeau, they've done well to end up with the No. 1 seed in the East.

The fall heard around the world occurred on Saturday when Rose tore his ACL against the Sixers, ending his season and removing him from the playoffs.

Both teams have plenty to prove with Rose being put on the shelf. Chicago had plenty of success with the reigning MVP out the lineup, but how will they respond without him in the postseason?

The Sixers also looked lifeless in Game 1 against Chicago. With Rose gone, will the Sixers smell blood and take advantage?

Plenty of answers will be brought to light in the Game 2 matchup tonight.

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Dallas Mavericks, Game 3 Thursday, 9:30 PM on TNT

The Oklahoma City Thunder became a favorite to make it out of the west after their successful run in the regular season. However, despite their 2-0 lead over the Dallas Mavericks, they haven't looked like the runaway favorites they were projected to be.

The Thunder won the first game by a last-second prayer by Kevin Durant, and another hard-fought three-point victory in Game 2.

Oklahoma City has struggled to handle the defending champion Mavericks in each game. Durant has struggled, shooting a disgraceful 15-of-44 from the field. One can't help but wonder if his offensive trouble will plague his team.

It's hard to count out the defending champions, especially with the fight Dallas has put up thus far. This first-round battle will pick up in Dallas on Thursday. Despite not picking up a win in Oklahoma City, the Mavericks have shown they have a chance to upset the Thunder.

Game 3 will tell a lot when these teams square off.

Los Angeles Clippers @ Memphis Grizzlies, Game 2 Wednesday, 9:30 PM on TNT

If you turned off the TV early in the fourth quarter of Game 1, I guarantee you'll watch all of Game 2 this time around.

The Los Angeles Clippers rallied back from a 27-point deficit to upset the Memphis Grizzlies on the road. Chris Paul lead the charge for Lob City, finding Nick Young on open three-point shots and setting up Reggie Evans on a layup to give the Clippers the lead.

Memphis played with a "not to lose" attitude at the end of the game, instead of sealing the deal and finishing off the Clippers. Los Angeles went on a 28-3 run and stunned the world with their comeback victory.

If the Grizzlies didn't take the Clippers seriously in the fourth quarter of Game 1, they definitely will on Wednesday. Memphis has lost home-court advantage already, but still need a victory to stay alive in this series.

This Game 2 grudge match has a giant stage setting up a great series in the making.

Miami Heat @ New York Knicks, Game 3 Thursday, 7 PM on TNT

The Miami Heat are on a mission to be crowned champions, and the New York Knicks ran into more trouble after Game 2.

After a frustrating loss, Amar'e Stoudemire punched a glass case and broke his hand, which will force him to miss significant time in the playoffs.

New York is already missing overnight sensation Jeremy Lin and defensive specialist Iman Shumpert. Carmelo Anthony will again have to shoulder the load for the Knicks in order to advance out the first round.

Miami is playing angry, motivated and look like the clear-cut favorites to win the Eastern Conference. Miami's Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh have been problematic for the Knicks, and the Heat role players have done damage as well.

With the series heading back to Madison Square Garden, it's do or die for New York against the powerful Miami Heat.