NBA Playoffs 2012: Elimination Game Edition

May 2, 2012; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers power forward David West (21) attempts to block a shot by Orlando Magic power forward Glen Davis (11) during the third quarter of game three in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at the Amway Center. Indiana defeated Orlando, 97-74. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE

(6) Orlando Magic vs. (3) Indiana PacersTime: 6 p.m. CSTTV: NBA TVPacers lead series 3-1.

The Pacers, regardless of apparent flaws, are the superior team in this matchup. Barring an unforeseen comeback in Game 1, the Pacers would have advanced to the first round in an uneventful sweep. They have won the last three consecutive games by completely eliminating the Magic’s transition offense and simultaneously taking advantage of Orlando’s deficient transition defense. Ryan Anderson, the 2011-12 Most Improved Player, has also been ineffective this series. He’s averaged 8.5 points primarily because of the extra attention he’s garnered without space-eating center Dwight Howard patrolling the paint.

Final verdict. Pacers by six.

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Mar 19, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo (9) is fouled as he drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-US PRESSWIRE

(4) Boston Celtics vs. (5) Atlanta HawksTime: 7 p.m.TV: TNTCeltics lead series 3-1.

Good news: Al Horford and Josh Smith returned. Bad news: They returned to experience a 22-point loss. Awful news: Their next loss will signify the end of their 2011-12 season. There’s a lot at stake for a team that has experienced moderate success in the playoffs in the last five year. Unless they can impede Rajon Rondo, the vast majority of the Celtics offense predicates on his passing ability, the Hawks will have very little margin for error tonight. Rondo has controlled every aspect of the series, averaging 19 points, 13 assists, seven rebounds and 3.7 steals.

Final verdict. Celtics by seven.

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May 6, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Thaddeus Young (21) shoots under pressure from Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) and guard C.J. Watson (7) during the fourth quarter of game four in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Arena. The Sixers defeated the Bulls 89-82. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

(8) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (1) Chicago BullsTime: 8:30 p.m.TV: NBA TV76ers lead series 3-1.

Yawn. I enjoy good defensive basketball as much as the next guy, and the Bulls and 76ers are technically brilliant defensive teams, but I also appreciate sound offensive execution. And this series, devoid of the impetuous Derrick Rose, doesn’t offer the same quality of basketball that the Spurs, Thunder and Heat provide. Watching the likes of Spencer Hawes, Lou Williams, Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodala, John Lucas III, CJ Watson isn’t quite as appealing as other playoff matchups.Final verdict. 76ers by four.

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May 6, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) rebounds the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the first half of game four in the Western Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE

(6) Denver Nuggets vs. (3) Los Angeles LakersTime: 9:30 p.m.TV: TNTLakers lead series 3-1.

The Nuggets offensive advantage – they average 109.2 points per 100 possessions – has been rendered mute because of the Lakers’ size. To combat the Lakers frontcourt, George Karl instituted small, more mobile lineups in the hopes that they could defeat the Lakers through systemic precision and superior floor spacing. And, while they have the depth to accomplish this goal, their play might be irrelevant. The Lakers aren’t relinquishing their control anytime soon.

Final verdict. Lakers by five.