NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Predicting Sunday's Pivotal Game 4 Clashes

Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs is one of the more important games of a series. Game 4 usually determines if the series is tied or if a team is up two games.

There are four crucial games on the slate Sunday. Here are some predictions:

Bulls vs. 76ers

It was sad to see Derrick Rose go down with an injury but the show must move on. There is no sense in bringing it up when talking about Chicago.

This is a different team going against an inferior opponent, the No. 8 seed.

Chicago has the talent to steal a game in Philadelphia despite Joakim Noah being doubtful for Sunday. They were up double-figures heading into the fourth quarter before Philadelphia outscored Chicago 28-14 in the fourth quarter.

Luol Deng must step up and be a leader; he must take more shots. Seven shots in 37 minutes won't get it done. He's one of the few on the roster than can score the basketball with proficiency.

Prediction: Deng proves his worth in Game 4 to steal home court.

Celtics vs. Hawks

Despite struggling against a depleted Atlanta Hawks roster, Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics won the all-important Game 3.

Boston is the better basketball team because you can trust them much more than you can trust Atlanta. They should win this series.

Ray Allen came back from injury in Game 3 and he was clearly rusty from the perimeter missing all four of his shots. However, his presence opened the lane for Rondo to penetrate and kick.

If he's not making shots, he's spreading the defense which makes it harder to defend Boston.

Boston doesn't want to see this series go deep so they must make a statement on Sunday.

Prediction: Boston wins Game 4.

Lakers vs. Nuggets

Los Angeles has proven to be a below-average road team. They finished the 2011-12 NBA season 15-18 on the road, and their porous play continued in Game 3 against Denver.

I believed from the get-go that Los Angeles would win this series in five games. Game 3 was the contest I saw Denver winning because of their youthfulness and energy in front of the home fans.

Denver has also been dominant at home since the 2007-08 season posting a record of 153-44.

Game 3 was one to forget for the Lakers and I believe they will come out ready to steal Game 4.

Denver's youth is great at home, but if the air can be taken out of the building early, I'm not sure they would respond well.

Los Angeles won't be down 30-14 after the first quarter again. Mark my words.

Expect Los Angeles to win the quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

Prediction: Los Angeles steals a game in Denver.

Heat vs. Knicks

I thought that maybe, just maybe, the Knicks could squeeze at least one game out of this series but that's it.

They are in danger of not even winning one game.

Miami is proving why they are the best team in the NBA by dismantling New York despite a few Knicks' players being absent.

Regardless, many thought that New York could make noise this postseason with its talented roster. It just hasn't worked out that way.

Sure, you can blame the injuries and you can blame the chemistry issues. However, the No. 1 reason why they are down 3-0 is because of the greatness of the Miami Heat.

LeBron James has been the leader offensively and defensively for the Heat. He's averaging 27 points per game, but his defensive ability is immeasurable. He creates turnovers with his size and athleticism, he has been forcing the issue and his ability in transition is second-to-none.

James has been great this series and he'll continue to provide quality performances throughout the postseason.

But talk to me when the NBA Finals arrive because that's all I care about when discussing James.

Prediction: Miami wins Game 4 to take the series.

Check out NBA.com for the complete 2012 NBA Playoff schedule.