NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Times and Predictions for Heat vs. Celtics Series

Advance or die trying.

With the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics each suffering their share of injuries, the 2012 Eastern Conference finals has that feel to it. Neither team is going down without a fight.

Here are tipoff times and predictions for the remaining series schedule (via NBA.com).

Game 4: Sunday, June 3 at 8:30 p.m. EDT

Prediction: After being disrespected in Games 1 and 2, Kevin Garnett and company got revenge and defended their home court to make it a series. Boston must follow up in Game 4 if they want to guarantee another battle in their building, though.

They’ll succeed in doing so and evening it up at two apiece in the (expletive) Jungle.

Game 5: Tuesday, June 5 at 8:30 p.m. EDT

Prediction: Miami isn’t losing three in a row. Only on the most brutal road stretches in the regular season (and against the Dallas Mavericks) would they suffer three straight letdowns—not in their house in a must-win Game 5.

Expect LeBron James and Dwyane Wade to dominate and take the series lead once again.

Game 6: Thursday, June 7 at 8:30 p.m. EDT (If Necessary)

Prediction: With their backs against the wall, I’m not betting money against the Celtics. Rajon Rondo has proven himself as one of, if not the best point guard in the NBA, and with his teammates all in for a win-or-go-home game, Boston isn’t being sent home before a Game 7—especially on their home court.

Game 7: Saturday, June 9 at 8:30 p.m. EDT (If Necessary)

Prediction: The Big Two vs. Rondo and Friends: The team that wants it the most will be the last squad standing. As hungry as KG, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are for another ring before they fade off into the sunset, LeBron and Shane Battier are fueled by their lack thereof.

Expect the Heat to advance to the NBA Finals with redemption on the brain.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels