NBA Playoff Schedule: Predictions for Stellar Saturday Matchups

We have some teams hanging on by the thinnest of strings heading into Saturday's NBA playoff action, making this a day filled with tremendous drama.

The first round may be lingering on thanks to the age-old TV schedule that has us waiting until the weekend for a full complement of games.

Saturday is flooded with marquee matchups, so we will keep the complaining to a minimum. We will be glued to the couch all night, as one team may very well be on vacation as soon as the night ends.

Let's take a look at Saturday's games and discuss what to expect.

Saturday, May 5 (All Times Eastern)

Game 4: Indiana at Orlando, 2:00 p.m. (ESPN)—Pacers lead 2-1

It became very clear what we can expect going forward between these two teams. Roy Hibbert dominated the paint, and Danny Granger became quite comfortable on the wings. 

The Magic's depth is an obvious issue, and the need for their injured big man couldn't be any greater. The Magic will make a stand, but the weight of the team seems to be on Glen Davis, and that just isn't how to win ballgames.

I just don't see where the scoring is going to come from.

Prediction: Pacers 95, Magic 85

Game 3: Memphis at L.A. Clippers, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN)—Series tied 1-1

This is turning into the series we all thought it might be. The Grizzlies would be up 2-0 if not for a resilient Clippers team storming back in Game 1.

Game 2 was far more kind for Memphis. The Grizzlies may be suspect, but they have still been the better team for most of this very young series, including dominating the paint. This will be a long series, but we still see the edge going to the Grizzlies.

Prediction: Grizzlies 101, Clippers 99

Game 4: Oklahoma City at Dallas, 7:30 p.m. (TNT)—Thunder lead 3-0

Dallas gave it a go, but tough clashes in Games 1 and 2 do not make a series. The Thunder have slowly risen as the obvious better team. 

I will give the Mavericks the fact that this series could easily be 2-1, but Game 3 signaled the Mavs have tired legs. This will go to the Thunder for the sweep. 

Prediction: Thunder 97, Mavericks 90

Game 3: San Antonio at Utah, 10:00 p.m. (TNT)—Spurs lead 2-0

The Jazz live to play at home, and they will be far better prepared in Game 3 than they have shown all series, but I still like the Spurs in this game.

Simply, I haven't seen anything from the Jazz to give me hope they can rebound from Game 2 and take one from a hot San Antonio team.

The Jazz have now lost two games by a combined 46 points, making Game 3 desperation time.

Prediction: Spurs 98, Jazz 89

Follow @gabezal