NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Power Ranking Best Potential Second-Round Matchups

The first round of the NBA playoffs isn't yet complete, but there are some intriguing second-round matchups that I just can't help looking forward to. 

Now, there's no doubt the first round of these playoffs has been solid.

Sure, the Mavericks and Spurs rolled to their respective sweeps, Derrick Rose's injury and the Heat embarrassing the Knicks, but the Grizzlies-Clippers series has bee—"First round, Imma let you finish, but the second round is about the be the best round of all time!"

The young, on-fire Pacers against the stars of Miami?

A potential point-guard matchup for the ages between San Antonio and Los Angeles?

Kobe vs. Durant?

Yes, please. Let's take a closer look at what awaits us in the second round.

(Note: If a first-round series isn't complete—you can find the entire schedule here—I'm just using the team that is ahead.)

4. Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics

Uhh, no thanks.

If you are a fan of defense and hard work, then this is the series for you. 

Also, I just painted my house if you would like to watch it dry. 

3. San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers

San Antonio's depth makes this matchup a bit lopsided, and Tim Duncan will cancel the Reggie Evans effect, but the point-guard matchup makes this series oh so intriguing. 

Chris Paul has been the best player in these playoffs, and when he wants to be, is absolutely unstoppable.

Just watch the tape from Game 4's fourth quarter and overtime against Memphis. He was other-worldly, and him going up against Mike Conley has been awesome.

Now imagine him going up against Tony Parker, who is playing the best basketball of his career. Both players are relentless on the attack and both will make your jaw drop on the reg. 

This is only No. 3 on the list because of the other two matchups. 

2. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Everyone will concentrate on Metta World Peace vs. James Harden, but this series has much more to offer.

Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant's battle for the scoring title came down to the last day of the season, and now would continue for four to seven more games.

The back-and-forth scoring barrage when no one besides KD or Mamba touch the ball will happen at least twice per game. 

There's more, too.

Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol are the best offensive frontcourt in the NBA. Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins, however, are quite possibly the best defensive backcourt.

Intriguing to say the least. 

1. Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers

This series is going to be extremely underrated because Indiana hasn't been relevant for a while.

But listen, the Pacers are legitimate finals contenders. As are the Heat, obviously.

That makes for a great series. 

Indiana is incredibly deep, and their second unit should destroy Miami's—much like Dallas' did last year—but the real intrigue lies in the starting units.

No one is this league is going to stop LeBron James or Dwyane Wade—especially in transition—but the Pacers have long, athletic guys such as Paul George, Danny Granger and George Hill who can both defend and match Miami's transition.

Furthermore, the Pacers have weapons—and the advantage—on the inside with Roy Hibbert and David West. 

Indiana was one of the best teams in the league in March and April (in March, they lost at Miami by two in overtime, and then beat the Heat by 15) and are rolling right now.

This series is going to be an instant classic. 

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