NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Picks and Predictions for Thursday's Action

There are two exciting NBA playoff contests happening tonight, with the Spurs taking on the Clippers in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals and the Heat going up against the Pacers in the East.

Let’s take a look at each of these matchups a bit closer, check out the current spread and make a prediction on who will win—and hopefully cover.

*Odds via VegasInsider.com

Miami Heat (-1.5) vs. Indiana Pacers, 7:00 p.m. ET on TNT

The Pacers stunned the Heat on Tuesday night, winning a 78-75 (David West was their high point man with 16!) defensive brawl that suits Indy infinitely better than it does Miami.

For how great the Heat are, they sorely lack size—especially with Chris Bosh out—which is something that the Pacers have in abundance. Their starting shooting guard (Paul George) is 6’10” if you need further proof of that.

Despite being outrebounded and outshot, Miami was right in the thick of Game 2 up until the bitter finish. They made just one of their 16 three-point attempts. Had another fallen, that game is going to OT and possibly ending with Miami up 2-0.

Look for the Heat to rally around LeBron James and Dwyane Wade—two men with a combined hunger for a championship greater than the entire Pacers’ roster—to come away with the W.

Prediction: Heat 92 - Pacers 88

Los Angeles Clippers (+10.5) at San Antonio Spurs, 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

If Game 1 is any indication of how a series is going to go, the Clippers are completely doomed. They were smashed 108-92 in a game that got out of hand by the third quarter.

Fortunately, the result of the first game isn’t always a telltale sign that one team has figured out the other. There is an approximate three-game window in order for coaches and players to make adjustments and surprise their foe.

This is why L.A. should not panic and should have no problem pulling off a shocking upset tonight.

Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and the rest of the Clippers stars should be rejuvenated and motivated to steal a win away from home against a team that punched them in the mouth on Tuesday night.

They know they have the talent to compete; they just need to find the heart.

Prediction: Clippers 101 - Spurs 100