NBA Playoffs 2012: Most Intriguing Storylines in Sunday's Games

We're at the point in the 2012 NBA playoffs where we separate the pretenders and the contenders.

Following a full slate of games on Saturday, Sunday features the higher-profile series such as Bulls-76ers, Knicks-Heat, Celtics-Hawks and Lakers-Nuggets.

Here's a look at the biggest storylines for tomorrow's action.

Star-less Bulls

The Bulls will not only be without Derrick Rose, but they'll be without Joakim Noah, too.

The star forward went down last night with a bad ankle sprain and is likely out for the series. Chicago now has to hope it can beat a feisty Philadelphia team without its two best players.

Sunday's game will be a great test of what the Bulls can do with a star-less squad.

Knicks Extending Streak ... of Losses

Is there any way the Knicks steal one from the Heat in a series that Miami will inevitably win? Unlikely.

As good as Carmelo Anthony can be, he needs somebody else to score baskets if his Knicks have any chance at competing in this game.

We haven't seen it yet, and it is unlikely to happen when the Heat have the sword pointed at the Knicks' throat.

For yet another season, the Knicks are likely going to be swept from the postseason.

The Return of Jesus Shuttlesworth?

Ray Allen came off the bench and gave the Celtics a boost in their Game 3 overtime victory against the Hawks a few nights ago.

He missed the previous 11 games with an injury, and it was uncertain just how effective he'd be. He wasn't brilliant, and he is a bit sore according to Boston.com, but he's optimistic about his chances of playing in Game 4.

The Celtics are a dangerous postseason team because of their experience, but they need Allen to be hitting shots.

Vengeful Kobe

The Lakers were beat up by the Nuggets in Game 3, and Kobe shot an ugly 7-23 from the field, so we know he's coming out swinging again in Game 4.

LA could've taken a commanding 3-0 lead, but Denver's youth came through, and the Nuggets played great team basketball

Expect Kobe to come out and reassert dominance immediately.