NBA Playoffs 2012: Predictions for Each of Tuesday's Game 2 Matchups

The first round of the NBA playoffs has only been underway for a couple of days, and there's already been enough drama for an entire postseason. From key injuries to close games, fans have seen it all, and plenty of basketball still needs to get played.

Let's take a look at the three Game 2 matchups on Tuesday night and make predictions for which team will take control of the momentum as the series shifts locations. Judging by the results so far, it should be another crazy night in the NBA.

Celtics vs. Hawks (Atlanta leads 1-0)

The Hawks controlled the glass and outscored the Celtics by 21 points from outside the arc en route to a comfortable Game 1 victory. They were able to do so despite a poor shooting night from top scorer Joe Johnson.

Atlanta knows the chances of Boston shooting that poorly again are slim, so it will have to raise its game to maintain home-court advantage. Look for a lot of plays drawn up for Johnson early in hopes of him finding a rhythm. The bench needs to step up as well.

For Celtics fans, the bright side of Game 1 was that the team couldn't have played much worse and still lost by single digits. Ray Allen's status remains unclear, but even without the veteran, the Celtics should bounce back and even the series.

Prediction: Celtics 88, Hawks 84

76ers vs. Bulls (Chicago leads 1-0)

Losing Derrick Rose to a season-ending ACL injury likely takes Chicago out of the title conversation, but that doesn't mean the Bulls can't advance from the opening round. They have plenty of depth, and they won Game 1 with relative ease.

The key will be C.J. Watson. The backup point guard will be thrust into the spotlight, but luckily for the Bulls, he gained plenty of experience when Rose was sidelined during the regular season. He doesn't have to play spectacularly, just good enough to avoid costing his team the game.

Philadelphia has a good amount of depth too. The problem is a lack of top-end firepower. After Andre Iguodala, who struggled in Game 1, there isn't anybody that can be counted on in big moments. That will ultimately doom the 76ers.

Prediction: Bulls 92, 76ers 85

Nuggets vs. Lakers (Los Angeles leads 1-0)

If Devin Ebanks can play like he did in Game 1 throughout the playoffs, the Lakers suddenly become an extremely dangerous team. They have been lacking a reliable swingman, but he filled the void nicely in the rout on Sunday.

Even though the Nuggets did everything they could to stop Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, the big men still dominated the paint. Throw in Kobe Bryant doing what he does with 31 points, and Denver never really had a chance.

It's clear the game plan drawn up by the Nuggets coaching staff didn't work. They'll have to try something new tonight, but when push comes to shove, the Lakers are just more talented. Expect a Los Angeles victory, albeit in a slightly closer game.

Prediction: Lakers 99, Nuggets 93