NBA Playoffs 2013: Viewing Info and Predictions for Tuesday's Round 2 Action

A couple critical games are on tap for Tuesday night as the second round enters crunch time. The New York Knicks need a road victory over the Indiana Pacers to avoid falling in a deep hole while the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors will break their deadlock.

The best thing about playoff basketball is watching to see which players rise to the occasion in these type of moments. The stakes are obvious, so it all comes down to who steps up. Will it be Roy Hibbert or Carmelo Anthony? Tony Parker or Stephen Curry? Maybe an unsung hero?

Ultimately, the answers to those questions will determine which teams end up punching their ticket to the conference finals. Let's examine both of today's games and predict which teams will take another key step toward that goal.

New York Knicks at Indiana Pacers (Game 4, Pacers Lead 2-1)

Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind.

When: Tuesday, May 14 at 7 p.m. ET

Watch: TNT

After getting away from their post offense in Game 2, the Pacers wisely went back to work in the paint in Game 3. Hibbert was tremendous with 24 points and 12 rebounds, including eight offensive boards. David West chipped in 11 points and 12 rebounds.

That's the biggest key to success for Indiana. Paul George is going to provide points on the wing. George Hill and Lance Stephenson are holding down the backcourt well. But it all comes to dominating in the post, where they have a clear advantage, for the Pacers.

Anthony, as always, will be expected to carry the load for New York. He needs help, though. The rest of the team shot 35 percent from the field in Game 3. With that little support, it really doesn't matter what type of game the Knicks' leading scorer has.

The X-factor is J.R. Smith, who's listed as probable with an illness (via USA Today). He's a streaky shooter and has been ice cold so far in the playoffs, shooting 34 percent and 28 percent from beyond the arc. A better showing from him and the Knicks can steal Game 4.

Prediction: Knicks 98, Pacers 92

Golden State Warriors at San Antonio Spurs (Game 5, Series Tied 2-2)

Where: AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas

When: Tuesday, May 14 at 9:30 p.m. ET

Watch: TNT

After the Spurs let an eight-point lead slip away with less than five minutes left in Game 4, both teams should now feel like they missed a chance in the series. Now the margin for error has been eliminated as it's basically a best-of-three series.

The Spurs need more production from their role players. Tiago Splitter and the four bench players not named Manu Ginobili played 61 minutes in Game 4 and accounted for just nine points. That ratio isn't good enough against the high-scoring Warriors.

One of the main reasons Golden State has been so competitive is Jarrett Jack. The veteran guard averaged just 13 points during the regular season, but is pouring in more than 17 per game in the postseason. That includes several key buckets.

As long as Stephen Curry continues to fight through the pain of his balky ankles effectively, expect another close game between the aging stars and the rising stars. But the Spurs should find a way to take care of business at home.

Prediction: Spurs 102, Warriors 99