NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Complete Guide to Thursday's Game 3 Action

Thursday sees just the two NBA Playoff games, but don't be disappointed, because both promise to be riveting and enthralling matches.

We've got the two sides looking to stretch their series lead to 3-0 and two more sides desperate to prevent that from happening.

Ready for some season-changing basketball? Here's your complete guide to all of Thursday's action.

Miami Heat @ New York Knicks

7PM ET at Madison Square Garden, New York

Things aren't looking great for the New York Knicks, who not only head in to Game 3 down 2-0, they are without Iman Schumpert, Amar'e Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin.

They haven't beaten the Miami Heat in any of the five matches they've played throughout the season and, without three of their strongest offensive players, will be hard pressed to find a win in this one.

Miami seems to be putting it all together offensively—averaging over 100 points per game this series compared to just 80 points for their opponent. Their shooting from the field is up over 0.500 percent, and they're currently hitting 0.400 from deep.

Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh are finally all coming together at the same time, and as a result, the Heat are playing tough, quality basketball.

For the Knicks, their only hope to success seems to lie in the hands of Carmelo Anthony. Melo is averaging over 20 points per game and 10 rebounds for the series so far, and if New York is to pull off what would be an incredible upset, they'll need him to shine brighter than he has done all year.

Unfortunately for Anthony, and for New York, there will be no upset in this one—Miami will win and move within one game of a first-round series sweep. Lebron James will have another big night, particularly on the defensive end, as the Heat run out big winners once again.

Miami Heat by 18 points.

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Dallas Mavericks

9:30PM ET at American Airlines Center, Dallas

For the Dallas Mavericks, winning Game 3 is a must if they are to get through the first round of the NBA Playoffs. They played well in the first two games, but couldn't come out with anything to show for it. Now they're at home and needing a win.

Games 1 and 2 both went the way of the Thunder, who have only outscored the Mavericks by four points all series. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combined for over half of those points, and with James Harden and Serge Ibaka chipping in strong performances, Oklahoma City have simply been just too strong for Dallas.

The key for the Mavericks in Game 3 is to move the ball around more. They're currently averaging six assists less than they were in the regular season, and with the strong inside play of Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins for the Thunder, successful ball movement is key to opening up shooting channels.

Dallas must remember how well they have played in the opening two games, yet at the same time they must lift their intensity for Game 3. They've shot 0.427 percent this series, and while not spectacular, those numbers aren't as poor as two straight losses may suggest.

The Mavericks have chalked up more rebounds and more steals than the Thunder, and if they can continue to win these mini-battles, they may well end up winning the match.

Jason Terry has already stated that "Game 3 is Game 7" for the Mavs and they must defensively pressure the Thunder in to turnovers and poor shots. And at home, with the series on the line, I think they'll just sneak home with a win in this one to keep their series alive.

Dallas Mavericks by 4 points.

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