NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Predictions for All of Saturday's Key 1st-Round Games

As if the sports calendar wasn't full enough on Saturday with the Kentucky Derby, Floyd Mayweather against Miguel Cotto, the NHL playoffs and a complete MLB slate, there are also four key first-round games in the NBA playoffs to keep an eye on.

Let's take a look at each of today's games and make predictions for how they will turn out. The excitement level will need to be pretty high to steal the spotlight. For a complete look at the remaining playoff schedule for Round 1, click here.

Pacers at Magic (Indiana leads 2-1)

It appears Orlando's victory in Game 1 was simply a case of a young Pacers team overlooking an opponent without its star player. In the two games since, Indiana has never been threatened by a Magic squad missing Dwight Howard.

One of last offseason's most underrated additions was George Hill, and he's showing exactly why in this series. The former San Antonio Spurs guard is averaging 15 points with terrific shooting efficiency. The Pacers needed somebody to step up alongside Danny Granger, and Hill has done exactly that.

The Magic know today's game pretty much serves as their last stand. If they can't even the series at home, they can start setting up tee times. They'll keep it close, but Indiana will prevail.

Prediction: Pacers 88, Magic 84

Grizzlies at Clippers (Series tied 1-1)

This series looks like it's going to last a while because of the Clippers' inconsistency. When they are playing at their peak, their offense becomes virtually unstoppable because of all the different weapons. It doesn't happen frequently enough for them to blow away Memphis, though.

Nick Young's hot shooting has given Los Angeles another option on the offensive end. The biggest key moving forward, however, will be getting DeAndre Jordan going on that end. He's averaging just six points per game so far.

The first two games have both gone down to the wire and I don't expect anything different tonight. Look for Paul to take control late to push the Clippers to a series lead.

Prediction: Clippers 102, Grizzlies 96

Thunder at Mavericks (Oklahoma City leads 3-0)

After two narrow losses in Oklahoma City, the Mavericks looked mentally drained in Game 3 as the younger, more athletic Thunder were able to run circles around the Dallas defense en route to a huge win to put them one win away from a sweep.

The Thunder have looked every bit as good as advertised. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have developed some really nice chemistry and James Harden has recovered from a Metta World Peace elbow to serve as the team's third option.

Ultimately they will advance to the second round, but I think the defending champions have a little bit too much pride to get swept on their home floor. They find a way to win a close one.

Prediction: Mavericks 95, Thunder 93

Spurs at Jazz (San Antonio leads 2-0)

Even though it seems like people are still skeptical about the Spurs being able to survive the playoff grind with so many older players, they are playing at an extremely high level. Having the league's most depth has kept the big three fresh.

For the Jazz to have any chance, they would have to dominate the paint like the Grizzlies did last season when they upset the Spurs. It hasn't happened yet with Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson averaging less than 28 points combined.

San Antonio knows the quicker it can finish this series, the more rest it will receive before Round 2. That will be enough motivation for the Spurs to grab a 3-0 series lead on Saturday night.

Prediction: Spurs 98, Jazz 89