2012 NBA Playoff Schedule: Breaking Down This Weekend's Electric Matchups

Despite some early injuries and borderline chaos in the 2012 NBA playoffs, this year's run at the title still figures to be exciting.

After Derrick Rose's injury in Game 1 of the opening round, the Philadelphia 76ers knocked off the Eastern Conference's No. 1 seed, the Chicago Bulls.

Now they look ahead to Boston on Saturday, one of several buzz-worthy matchups to look forward to this weekend. Here's a look at the weekend's schedule, complete with my take on the matchups.

Saturday, May 12

Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics, Game 1, 8 p.m. ET, TNT

It doesn't matter that the Chicago Bulls were injury-depleted. When the 76ers knocked the Eastern Conference's No. 1 seed out of the playoffs, it was a monumental victory. The 76ers have a young nucleus, combined with the ageless Elton Brand, and center Spencer Hawes has been a pleasant surprise.

On the other hand, the Celtics have more playoff experience with the Big Four and Kevin Garnett has been playing out of his mind (and age range). I think the Celtics give the 76ers a rude welcome and take Game 1 in Boston. 

Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers, Game 7, 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT

This has been a highly unpredictable series. One game, the Lakers look like world-beaters. The next, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol are allowing opponents to drive the lane at will and playing relatively uninspired defense.

Kobe Bryant can only do so much—he needs some help. But will the Lakers rise to the occasion at the Staples Center? Will Metta World Peace show up mentally? Your guess is as good as mine.

As for the Nuggets, I've been impressed with how they've played together. George Karl has done a great job of finding players to fit into his model and adding depth. That has shown in the playoffs, given the performances of bench players JaVale McGee, Andre Miller and Corey Brewer.

I think Game 7 comes down to who wants it more. By all accounts, that appears to be the Nuggets.  

Sunday, May 13

Los Angeles Clippers at Memphis Grizzlies, Game 7, 1 p.m. ET, ABC

The Clippers have been so inconsistent that you never know what they're going to give you. The Grizzlies' big men stepped up big time in Game 6, with both Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph dominating the interior. The Grizzlies out-rebounded the Clippers, 48-32.

Chris Paul and Blake Griffin didn't look like their normal, dominant selves in Game 6 coming off injuries and Randolph is back into the swing of things. I just can't see the Clippers pulling it out in Memphis, and it's going to lead to a disappointing ending for Chris Paul and Co. 

Indiana Pacers at Miami Heat, Game 1, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC

This has all the makings of a great series. The Heat are the front-runners for the championship this season, but that doesn't mean the Pacers can't scare them.

It's amazing how quickly the Pacers have grown. Just last season, they were 37-45. Now they have a wealth of young, up-and-coming stars, not to mention the right pieces to go on a run down the line.

They have a post presence in Roy Hibbert, a proven veteran in David West, a star in Danny Granger, the dynamic Paul George and a solid bench, complete with Darren Collison. They made quick work of the Orlando Magic in the opening round.

The Heat gave the New York Knicks some semblance of hope in Game 4, but made a statement in Game 5, showing they are indeed here to win a title. The Heat blasted the Knicks in Game 5, 106-94, and LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all played eye-opening basketball. They don't have the deepest team, but it may not matter this season.

I give Game 1 to the Heat in Miami.

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