NBA Playoff Schedule: Picks and Predictions for Monday Night's Postseason Action

The 2012 NBA playoffs are speeding by and another series could be over as soon as tonight. With the San Antonio Spurs having already locked up the first of the conference-finals spots, a number of teams are hoping to soon join them.

Monday night will showcase two games that will have a big impact on the postseason landscape. Let’s take a look at these critical matchups, where to watch them and make a prediction regarding which teams will emerge victorious. 

*Odds via ScoresAndOdds.com

Boston Celtics (-5.5) vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Game 5, 7:00 p.m. ET on TNT

The C’s and Sixers are tied at two games apiece in a series that is now a best of three. Winning this contest is absolutely crucial to the chances of either side advancing, and a loss would be almost insurmountable.

Boston blew a winnable Game 4 in Philly and has to atone for its mistakes down the stretch tonight. The Celtics could not maintain the defensive pressure that allowed them to go up, 46-31, in the first half, as the 76ers managed to score 61 of their 92 points in the second.

Andre Iguodala emerged as the go-to, crunch-time scorer for the 76ers, and Boston’s efforts will have to be focused on shutting him down late in the game.

The Celtics will have home-court advantage and a few days of rest under their belts going into this game. They also have the experience and leadership to close out a series.

This will be a hard-fought match, but look for the C’s to come out on top.

Prediction: Boston 95, Philadelphia 89

Oklahoma City Thunder (-7.5) vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Game 5, 9:35 p.m. ET on TNT

The OKC Thunder are right on the verge of their second straight Western Conference Finals trip. All they need to do is get one more win against the pesky Lakers.

This is obviously easier said than done, but Kevin Durant has emerged as the coolest and most clutch player in the postseason. With the game on the line and the ball in his hands, the Thunder are always going to have a real chance at winning.

That was never clearer than during Game 4, when KD hit a deep jumper over Metta World Peace to take a three-point lead they would not relinquish.

With No. 35 looking unstoppable, Russell Westbrook playing out of his mind and a great supporting cast, it doesn’t seem likely that the washed-up L.A. team has a chance of stealing a game from them tonight.

Expect the Thunder to leave as winners and punch their ticket to the Western Conference Finals.

Prediction: Oklahoma City 99, Los Angeles 93