NBA Playoff TV Schedule 2012: Where to Catch Epic Second Round Action
While teams in the NBA's Western Conference—specifically the Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers—are all still fighting for their first-round fate, the East is all wrapped up and ready to move on to the second round.
At one point, it seemed like a lock that the Eastern conference would eventually feature the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat in what was sure to be an epic series. But the playoff scene drastically changed when Bulls' superstar Derrick Rose was lost to an ACL injury.
Instead of the Bulls, a very talented and hungry Philadelphia 76ers moved on to the second round and will now match up with the aging, but talented and experienced Boston Celtics.
On the other side of the bracket, the aforementioned Heat face a huge task going up against a very underrated Indiana Pacers squad.
Needless to say, this wasn't necessarily the playoffs we imaged, especially in the Eastern conference.
Round 2 is about ready to get under way in the East, and here is where you can see all the action:
Indiana Pacers at Miami Heat: Sunday, May 13 at 3:30 p.m. EDT on ABC
This matchup undoubtedly has all the ingredients to be a very good one. On one hand, we have the Miami Heat, who at times look unstoppable.
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh came together to win a championship, and this year, they seem to be primed to do so. That being said, the Pacers are extremely hungry and will present a ton of problems for the Heat.
Indiana is big down low—led by Roy Hibbert at 7'2'', 260 pounds—and talented on the perimeter thanks to Darren Collison's 10.4 points and 4.8 assists per game. Then, of course, there is Danny Granger, who leads the team with 18.7 points per game.
Many people may have the tendency to look over this Pacers team in favor of the Heat, but believe you me, Indiana is going to give the Big Three a ton of trouble.
Prediction: Heat in Seven
Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics: Saturday, May 12 at 8 p.m. EDT on TNT
This matchup pins the original "Big Three" of Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett against a talented and hungry 76ers team. But the key to this series will be Boston point guard Rajon Rondo.
When he's engaged, there is no doubt that Rondo is one of the best players in the league. His 11.9 points and 11.7 assists per game this season go a long way in proving that. If Rondo can keep this team rolling, they are going to be very dangerous.
The 76ers, on the other-hand, are going to have to rely on their defense, athleticism and the scoring and leadership of Andre Iguodala if they want to win this series. They're going to have to contest every shot and really get physical with the aging Celtics.
In the end, though, I'm going to have to cast my lot with the experienced team to win this series.
Prediction: Celtics in Six
