NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Predictions and TV Info for Spurs vs. Thunder

The two top teams in the league are almost ready to square off for the right to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals, and it won't be anywhere near as easy as their roads up to this point. 

The Spurs enter the conference finals in the midst of an 18-game winning streak and have faced little opposition from either the Jazz or the Clippers, both of whom they swept in the first two rounds. Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker may be on the older side, but they clearly still have what it takes to win in the playoffs. They also have plenty of postseason experience among them, which is the one thing their opponents are missing. 

The Thunder are one of the youngest and most exciting teams in the league and proved to the world that they're legit with a second-round series win over the mighty Lakers. Oklahoma City defeated LA in five games after sweeping the defending-champion Mavericks in the first round.

Everyone already knew Kevin Durant was capable of spearheading a championship contender, but Russell Westbrook has emerged as his bona fide right-hand man while James Harden has established himself as the most valuable bench player in the league. 

When these two teams squared off in the regular season, the Spurs won two of three, and in the only game they lost—way back in the second week of the season—they were without Ginobili and, at times, Parker. 

This series will come down to experience versus youth, and don't expect it to be quick. This matchup will be the biggest challenge either of these teams has faced all season.  

Schedule

(All games will appear on TNT)

Game 1 - Sunday, May 27: Oklahoma City at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.

Game 2 - Tuesday, May 29: Oklahoma City at San Antonio, 9:00 p.m.

Game 3 - Thursday, May 31: San Antonio at Oklahoma City, 9:00 p.m.

Game 4 - Saturday, June 2: San Antonio at Oklahoma City, 8:30 p.m.

Game 5* - Monday, June 4: Oklahoma City at San Antonio, 9:00 p.m.

Game 6* - Wednesday, June 6: San Antonio at Oklahoma City, 9:00 p.m.

Game 7* - Friday, June 8: Oklahoma City at San Antonio, 9:00 p.m.

Prediction: Spurs in 6

The Spurs are playing so well right now that it's hard to imagine any team—even the Thunder—can take them down. Granted, their epic winning streak is sure to come to an end, but the veteran leadership and talent on this team will leave the Thunder exhausted and overmatched. 

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