NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Games That Will Determine Conference Finals Matchups

The semifinals for the Eastern and Western Conferences are underway. These matchups will determine the Eastern and Western Conference Finals. 

Within each series' seven games will be one pivotal clash. These matchups will determine the fate of teams out of each conference.

Let's take a look at which game will determine the outcome of each conference semifinal.

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Determining Game: Game 4

The 76ers got their their jocks handed to them in Game 3. If the Sixers do not show a better effort in Game 4 this series is over. 

Philadelphia matched Boston's intensity in Games 1 and 2, but the Sixers looked overwhelmed by Boston's newfound focus in Game 3

The Celtics' veteran savvy is having an impact on this series. It creates a lethal combination when coupled with Rajon Rondo's absurd point guard capabilities. 

Game 4 will be huge for Philadelphia. If the Sixers can find their stride in front of their home crowd, they will be fine. If they perform in front of their fans like they did in Game 3, they may as well pack their suitcases now.

Philadelphia's upstart team must find a way to match Boston's experience. Game 4 will determine if it's ready to take the next step.

Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers

Determining Game: Game 3

Okay, Game 3 may be a bit early for a determining game. If you watched the Heat's play, and attitude, at the end of Game 2 you may disagree.

Miami seems rattled by the loss of Chris Bosh and Indiana's defensive intensity.

The Pacers are not afraid of Miami's star-studded team and have nothing to lose in most fan's eyes. Indiana is a very young team with its better years in front of it.

The Heat were in disarray at the end of Game 3. Without Bosh's presence in the frontcourt, Ronny Turiaf and Joel Anthony failed to carry the load (as expected). Dwyane Wade did not showcase any leadership down the stretch of Game 2 and LeBron James was barely visible.

If the Heat do not look more focused in Game 3 Miami fans should be worried. This team should be focused on its ultimate goal. Its showing in Game 2 does not make it seem that way.

Whoever wins Game 3 will win this series.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Determining Game: Game 2

The Spurs will win Game 2, just like they won Game 1 of this series. The Clippers have enjoyed an enlightening season but do not have the gall to come back from two games down on the Spurs' veteran squad. 

San Antonio is possibly the most underrated No. 1 seed I can remember. The Spurs had the league's No. 2 offense this season and a middle-of-the-road defense. They are ridiculously experienced and deep.

All of that is a recipe for a championship.

Granted, NBA fans should know not to count out Chris Paul by now. Paul is arguably the game's top point guard with the knack for keeping his team in games longer than it should be. 

However, the Spurs have too much firepower and the moment is not too big for this group. 

The Clippers would be a contender if they had picked up a three-point shooter this season. A healthy Chauncey Billups would serve the same purpose. Instead, the Clippers have neither, unless you want to count Nick Young.

San Antonio is the best team in the NBA right now. Game 2 will be the Spurs', and the Clippers do not have a prayer of climbing out of a two-game hole.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Determining Game: Game 3

The Lakers lost Game 1 in a blowout, 119-90, and lost a battle of Game 2, 77-75. However, because they are the Lakers, they cannot be counted out until they lose at home. 

Los Angeles is not playing good basketball and does not seem to be in a good place mentally. Kobe Bryant has publicly reprimanded his team. Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol seem to play at half-speed for long stretches. 

None of these things bodes well for an aging Laker team against the NBA's most exciting squad. 

Oklahoma City may not be ready to win an NBA championship, but it is ready to send the Lakers home. 

Kevin Durant is a flawless scorer. Russell Westbrook is a magnificent leader, and James Harden is the best bench player in the game today. Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins give the Thunder an underrated punch in the paint. 

The Thunder are ready to take out Bryant's Lakers. Think of it as a changing of the guard. 

And Game 3 will be the Lakers' last hope of knocking off the young and exciting Thunder.