2012 NBA Playoffs: Kevin Durant Ends Day 1 With A Bang After Bulls, Heat, Magic Win

VIDEO: Kevin Durant Nails Game-Winner As Thunder Edge Mavericks In Game 1

Kevin Durant didn't have a great Game 1 in the Oklahoma City Thunder's first-round NBA Playoffs series against the Dallas Mavericks. Well, the first 47 minutes, 53 seconds weren't so great. The last seven ticks? Oh so perfect.

Durant hit the off-balance mid-range jumper (with rim and glass!) with time winding down to give the Thunder a 99-98 lead. The man who contested the shot well, Shawn Marion, couldn't get a shot off at the other end as Dallas was out of timeouts. Game, Blouses.

With the make, Durant shot 10-27 for the game, far from his typical efficiency. Luckily, Russell Westbrook (28 points on 13-23) and James Harden (19 points on seven field goal attempts!) were potent enough on offense to get the Thunder into a position in which one of the best players in the world could shoot for the victory.

For more on the Thunder, visit Welcome To Loud City.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Thunder Vs. Mavericks Final Score: Kevin Durant's Game-Winner Sinks Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks had done everything in their power to thwart the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series, including having Dirk Nowitzki get them the lead with less than 10 seconds to play.

Then Kevin Durant hit a game-winner that NBA fans will see for years and years.

Durant, who struggled all night, threw up a prayer from the free throw line that hit the rim, kissed the backboard, and fell in to give the Thunder a 99-98 victory. It gave him 25 points on the night (on 10-for-27 shooting), and gave Oklahoma City a 1-0 lead in the series.

Dallas controlled most of the game, leading for most of the fourth quarter and keeping Durant in check. But the spring-legged Thunder played suffocating defense in the dying throes of the fourth quarter and closed on a 14-6 run.

Russell Westbrook led all scorers with 28 points, and Serge Ibaka had 22 points and five blocks for OKC. Dallas got 25 points from Nowitzki, and 20 from Jason Terry, but Terry was held scoreless in the fourth quarter as the Thunder turned up the defensive pressure.

Game 2 of the series will be Monday night in Oklahoma City. If it's anything like the thrilling Game 1, it will be somewhere between must-see and can't-miss.

For more on the Thunder, visit SB Nation's Thunder blog Welcome to Loud City. For more on the Mavericks, visit SB Nation's Mavs Moneyball and SB Nation Dallas. For more on the 2012 NBA Playoffs check out SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Thunder Vs. Mavericks Score Update: Mavs Holding Lead In OKC

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference and are hosting Game 1 of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. But the Dallas Mavericks have seemed like the favorites, holding a 73-69 lead entering the fourth quarter in Oklahoma City.

Jason Terry has been hot all night, and his 20 points lead all Dallas scorers. In second? Shawn Marion with 17 points. Those two have made up for Dirk Nowitzki's relatively quiet (14 points, 5-for-13 shooting) night.

Russell Westbrook's 21 points lead all scorers, and the guard has picked up the Thunder while Kevin Durant has struggled to find his rhythm. The NBA's scoring champion has 17 points, but he has needed 19 shots to get them.

For more on the Thunder, visit SB Nation's Thunder blog Welcome to Loud City. For more on the Mavericks, visit SB Nation's Mavs Moneyball and SB Nation Dallas. For more on the 2012 NBA Playoffs check out SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Thunder Vs. Mavericks, Halftime Score: Dallas Still Up On Road

The Dallas Mavericks are older, slower and somewhat less talented than the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have seemed poised to be the Western Conference's new titan throughout the 2011-12 NBA season. But the defending NBA champions lead the Thunder at halftime of Game 1 in their Western Conference Quarterfinals series, 51-48.

Jason Terry's 14 points and four assists off the bench lead the Mavs in both categories, and he's been aided by stars both reliable (Dirk Nowitzki has 10 points) and new to Dallas (Vince Carter has seven -- and dunked!).

Four Thunder players — Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Serge Ibaka — are in double figures at the half. Of the four, Harden's 10 points were the most useful, coming entirely in the second quarter, and Ibaka's the strangest — the Thunder big man sank a three on OKC's final possession of the first half to slice Dallas' lead in half.

For more on the Thunder, visit SB Nation's Thunder blog Welcome to Loud City. For more on the Mavericks, visit SB Nation's Mavs Moneyball and SB Nation Dallas. For more on the 2012 NBA Playoffs check out SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Thunder Vs. Mavericks Score Update: Dallas Leads After First Quarter

The Dallas Mavericks were able to knock off the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals in part thanks to Jason Terry's significant contributions off the bench. And with Terry heating up against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the 2012 Western Conference Quarterfinals and staking the Mavs to a 26-22 lead after the first quarter, Dallas may be able to slay another dragon.

Terry had nine points off the bench in the first quarter, making all four of his shots in five minutes of play and making up for Dirk Nowitzki's 1-6 performance in the period. Five Mavericks have three or more points already: Terry, Nowitzki, Shawn Marion, Jason Kidd and Brendan Haywood.

The Thunder have been carried by Russell Westbrook, who leads all scorers with 11 points. But between Westbrook and Kevin Durant, who has seven points, two players have put up all but four of OKC's points so far. James Harden, the Thunder's typical third banana, has yet to take a shot.

For more on the Thunder, visit SB Nation's Thunder blog Welcome to Loud City. For more on the Mavericks, visit SB Nation's Mavs Moneyball and SB Nation Dallas. For more on the 2012 NBA Playoffs check out SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

VIDEO: Chris Duhon's Travel Dance Wins Everything

NBA Playoffs 2012, Magic Vs. Pacers Final Score: Orlando Steals Game 1, 81-77

The Indiana Pacers were supposed to roll past the Dwight Howard-less Orlando Magic in their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. But after going cold late in Game 1 and falling, 81-77, to Orlando, the Pacers find themselves in a hole.

The Magic held the Pacers scoreless for the final 4:05 of the fourth quarter, and allowed just one made basket in the final 7:54 of play, while closing on a 11-0 run. Jason Richardson and Jameer Nelson tied for the Orlando lead in points, with 17 each; Richardson made two threes during that run, and Nelson had four points in the fourth quarter.

But this game was about the Pacers' collapse, and about the struggles Indiana's star players dealt with from the field. Danny Granger's 17 points came on 7-for-20 shooting; Paul George made 4-of-11 from the floor. Roy Hibbert flirted with a triple-double -- and the NBA playoff record for blocked shots in a game -- but finished with eight points, 13 rebounds and nine blocks.

David West had 19 points to lead Indiana. Game 2 in the series will be played on Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

For more on the Orlando Magic, visit SB Nation's Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more on the Indiana Pacers, visit SB Nation's Pacers blog Indy Cornrows and SB Nation Indiana. For more on the 2012 NBA Playoffs check out SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Roy Hibbert Stats Watch: Pacers' Center Could Get Single-Game Playoff Block Record

When we last discussed Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert, we noted how he had four blocks in nine minutes in the Pacers' first-round game against the Orlando Magic. Things have continued to go swimmingly for Hibbert since. Through three quarters, he has eight points, 12 rebounds and nine blocked shots.

Nine blocked shots through three quarters is pretty good. How good? If he just gets one blocked shot in the fourth quarter, he'll tie the single-game playoff record.

Single-game record for blocks in a Playoff game is 10 (Eaton '85, Hakeem '90). Hibbert putting that record in serious jeopardy.

— NBA Guru (@NBAGuru) April 29, 2012

As noted earlier, Hibbert had six blocks total in the Pacers' games against the Magic during the regular season. Of course, all four of those games were with Dwight Howard in the lineup. As it turns out, it's not so hard to stone Glen Davis at the rim. Who knew?

For more on the Orlando Magic, visit SB Nation's Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more on the Indiana Pacers, visit SB Nation's Pacers blog Indy Cornrows and SB Nation Indiana. For more on the 2012 NBA Playoffs check out SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Iman Shumpert Injury A Torn ACL, Knicks' Guard Out For Playoffs, According To Report

Saturday has been a bad day for left knees in the NBA. Earlier, Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose was diagnosed with a torn ACL in his left knee in the Chicago Bulls' win over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of the 2012 NBA Playoffs. Now, New York Knicks rookie guard Iman Shumpert has been diagnosed with the same injury.

New York's Iman Shumpert has suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, league source tells Y! Sports.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) April 29, 2012

Shumpert suffered the injury midway through the third quarter in the Knicks' blowout loss to the Miami Heat in Game 1 of their playoff series. He tried to make a crossover move on Mario Chalmers, but his knee buckled and he immediately fell to the floor.

Shumpert had come on late in his rookie season, emerging as a tough defensive stopper for the Knicks. With him sidelined, Landry Fields will likely return to the starting lineup, and J.R. Smith and Toney Douglas will be seeing more time.

For more on the Knicks, visit Posting And Toasting and SB Nation New York.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Magic Vs. Pacers Score Update: Hot-Shooting Orlando Takes 51-44 Halftime Lead

Without Dwight Howard, most expected the Orlando Magic to roll over in their first-round NBA Playoffs series against the Indiana Pacers. Thus far, though, the Magic are doing a very nice job of holding their own. Thanks to hot three-point shooting, the Magic lead the Pacers, 51-44, after one half of play on the road.

Jameer Nelson is leading the way for the Magic with 11 points on 5-11 shooting. He started to get things going in the second quarter, as the Pacers struggled to contain him in the pick and roll. Glen Davis added 10 points and six rebounds, scoring despite giving up several inches on Pacers center Roy Hibbert. As a team, the Magic have hit 6-14 from three-point range.

The Pacers' offense, meanwhile, continues to struggle. David West scored 13 points, and Danny Granger had nine, all of which came early in the first quarter.

For more on the Orlando Magic, visit SB Nation's Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more on the Indiana Pacers, visit SB Nation's Pacers blog Indy Cornrows and SB Nation Indiana. For more on the 2012 NBA Playoffs check out SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Roy Hibbert Enjoys Not Having To Play Against Dwight Howard

I'm going to go out on a limb and say this wouldn't have happened if Dwight Howard was healthy.

Hibbert had six blocks in 108 mins against the Magic in the regular season. Again, he has 4 in 9 mins today.

— Evan Dunlap (@BQRMagic) April 28, 2012

VIDEO: Jeff Van Gundy, Lil Wayne Are Best Friends Now

Knicks Vs. Heat, NBA Playoffs 2012: LeBron James Leads Miami To Game 1 Blowout

There was lots of anticipation for Game 1 of the 2012 NBA Playoffs series between the New York Knicks and Miami Heat, but it quickly turned into a rout. LeBron James led the Heat on a 24-2 run to close the first half, as Miami easily defeated New York, 100-67.

James scored 32 points in 31 minutes, hitting 10-14 from the field and 11-14 from the line. He dominated Knicks star Carmelo Anthony on both ends, holding him to just 11 points on 3-15 shooting. Dwyane Wade added 19 points for the Heat in the win.

Making matters worse for the Knicks, promising rookie Iman Shumpert suffered a bad knee injury in the third quarter and did not return. Shumpert is tasked with guarding Wade so, if he misses an extended period of time, the Knicks are in trouble.

Knicks center Tyson Chandler did play despite battling the flu over the past two days, but was very ineffective, committing seven turnovers and picking up four first-half fouls.

Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night at 7 p.m.

For more on the Knicks, visit Posting And Toasting and SB Nation New York. For more on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier.

ANIMATED: Dwyane Wade Brings The Circus To Miami

VIDEO: Iman Shumpert Injury Ends Knicks Rookie's Game 1

Iman Shumpert went down in pain in the third quarter of Game 1 between the New York Knicks and Miami Heat after twisting his knee.

The rookie guard writhed in pain as ABC went to commercial break; reporters in the arena tweeted that not only was Shumpert helped from the floor, but that a Knicks trainer held the back of the guard's knee for support.

Shumpert is one of the Knicks' best defenders as a terrific ballhawk and dribble disrupter. Shumpert's injury came just two hours after Derrick Rose left the Bulls' win over the Sixers with a similar injury.

The Knicks were being blown out in the third when Shumpert went down. Mike Bibby and Baron Davis will soak up his minutes at the point, and J.R. Smith and Landry Fields will cover the team at shooting guard.

For more on the Knicks, visit Posting And Toasting and SB Nation New York.

NBA Playoffs 2012: Heat Beating Snot Out Of Knicks Thanks To New York Miscues, Whistles

At halftime of Game 1 of the much-hyped NBA Playoffs series between the Miami Heat and New York Knicks, it's no contest. Miami leads 54-31, and it doesn't even feel that close. The Heat ended the half on a 24-2 run, with LeBron James fueling the massive charge with 23 points (including the final nine points of the second quarter). "Charge" is an operative word, as James and the Heat drew a ton of offensive fouls on the Knicks. For the half, the Knicks were whistled for 21 personal fouls. During the regular season, they averaged 21 per game.

Carmelo Anthony began the game 0-7 before hitting a jumper late in the second. He did pick up five rebounds and three assists, but the Knicks' offense clearly struggled without point production from their sun. Baron Davis scored 10 on 4-6 shooting, but also picked up three fouls, one offensive. The Knicks had 14 turnovers in the first half, seven from Tyson Chandler.

Chandler nearly got booted from the game for a shove on LeBron. The refs initially called a Flagrant-2, which comes with an automatic ejection. After review, it was downgraded to a Flagrant-1. Chandler, who has been suffering from flu-like symptoms, had three personal fouls in the first half.

For more on the Knicks, visit Posting And Toasting and SB Nation New York. For more on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier.

VIDEO: Tyson Chandler Called For Flagrant Foul On LeBron James, Jeff Van Gundy Says He Flopped

You be the judge here. Did LeBron James flop on this hard screen by Tyson Chandler, which was eventually called a flagrant foul?

Jeff Van Gundy certainly thinks so and took to the airwaves to make his point.

"Pat Riley is rolling over in his seat right now if he thinks this is a flagrant foul," Van Gundy said, referencing the Heat president that used to coach the team. "He saw harder hits in his practices in Miami than this."

James, for his part, said at halftime that he had a little "whiplash" in his neck, which explains his delayed reaction. The nerves can sometimes take a split second to manifest themselves, so it's possible James didn't feel the pain until he fell over.

In any event, Chandler was originally called for a flagrant-2 foul, which would have resulted in an ejection, but it was downgraded to a flagrant-1. However, it was his fourth personal, and it certainly didn't help the Knicks' chances. The Heat, fueled by James' game and his flopping, ended the half of a 24-2 run and took a 23-point lead into halftime.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more on the Knicks, check out Posting And Toasting and SB Nation New York.

PHOTO: Keith Askins' Outfit Has Phenomenal Swag

If Keith Askins was an assistant coach for any other team, this would not fly. Luckily, he's in Miami.

Derrick Rose Injury: Tom Thibodeau Explains Decision To Leave Rose In At End Of Game

Derrick Rose's knee injury with just over one minute remaining in the Chicago Bulls' 103-91 win over the Philadelphia 76ers will cause many to second-guess Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau's decision to leave Rose in the game despite a double-digit lead. Thibodeau was predictably asked this question in his post-game press conference. Here was his answer.

Tom Thibodeau on Derrick Rose still in the game late in 4Q: "I don’t work backward like you guys. The score was going the other way."

— Jeff Zillgitt (@usat_jzillgitt) April 28, 2012

The 76ers had cut Chicago's lead down from 16 to 12 in the few possessions before the injury, so Thibodeau was technically right. That said, there was little chance that the 76ers could make up a 12-point deficit in a minute and 10 seconds. Thibodeau has a reputation for sticking with key players instead of resting them with the game out of hand, and it came back to bite him in this instance.

For more on the Bulls, visit Blog-a-Bull and SB Nation Chicago.

GIF: Amare Stoudemire, Udonis Haslem Arguing About Hair, Probably

VIDEO: Derrick Rose Suffers Knee Injury Vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The Chicago Bulls were firmly in control late in their Game 1 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, and yet, Derrick Rose was still on the court. That decision by Tom Thibodeau might be second-guessed for a long time after Rose limped off the court with a knee injury with only a couple minutes remaining in the game. Here's video of Rose's knee injury.

Rose was trying to make a move on Spencer Hawes, but came down awkwardly as he tried a jump stop. There was no body contact on the injury. Rose tried to get back up and walk off, but fell down again.

Rose's teammates looked stunned as he was being tended to on the court. They all know that, despite their regular-season success, they have little chance to win the title if Rose is not healthy. Now, they must hope that the injury ends up not being serious.

For more on the Bulls, visit Blog-a-Bull and SB Nation Chicago.

Bulls Vs. 76ers, NBA Playoffs 2012: Chicago Smokes Philly In Game 1, But Watch Derrick Rose Limp Off

The Chicago Bulls smothered the Philadelphia 76ers on both ends in Game 1 of their 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series, and came out with a 103-91 victory. Chicago's lead got as high as 20 in the fourth quarter. Derrick Rose led the way with 23 points, 9 assists and 9 rebounds in his latest return to action, but all of that was forgotten with 90 seconds left. Rose crumpled to the floor after appearing to land wrong on dribble penetration, and had to be helped off of the court after a stop in action.

Joakim Noah added 12 points and 13 rebounds, and the supporting cast contributed its typically brilliant defense as Philadelphia shot just 39.8 percent from the floor.

Rose missed some shots, but kept full control of the game at all times. Chicago led by 11 at the half, and the game was never in question in the fourth. Philadelphia's offense looked completely overmatched against the elite Bulls defense; there was nothing that the Sixers could reliably do to produce points. Jrue Holiday had a rough game on that end, shooting 7-18 from the floor with more turnovers (three) than assists (two). Evan Turner continued to serve as a playmaker off the bench, but fell out of control too often late, leading to bad shots, broken plays and a couple of turnovers.

For more on the Bulls, visit Blog-a-Bull and SB Nation Chicago.For more on the Sixers, please visit Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly. For full coverage of the series, follow our Bulls vs. Sixers StoryStream.

Derrick Rose Injury: Bulls Star Hurts Knee In Closing Moments Of Game 1 Vs. Sixers

Derrick Rose, who has struggled with injury all season, appeared to injure his left knee with less than 90 seconds left in the Chicago Bulls' Game 1 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. The Bulls led by 12 at the time, and play had just resumed after a timeout, which would have given Tom Thibodeau an opportunity to replace his starters.

Rose walked off the court slowly with assistance after receiving attention from the Bulls' medical crew. He received MVP chants and an ovation as he limped off.

Rose was driving to the bucket when he landed poorly and careened to the floor. There did not appear to be contact on the play -- Rose may have just twisted poorly in the air and landed wrong. Regardless, while the Bulls have played well without Rose this season, losing him would be awful for their title hopes.

For more on the Bulls, visit Blog-a-Bull and SB Nation Chicago.

PHOTO: LeBron James Shaves Beard To Prepare For 2012 NBA Playoffs

LeBron James knows that this year's playoffs will go a long way in determining his legacy. When human being come up on a big moment in their lives, they try something different to commemorate its importance. For James, that meant shaving his beard.

Even if it turns out that all those demons weren't stashed somewhere in his beard, at least LeBron is just a little more aerodynamic now.

Tyson Chandler Status Update: Knicks Center To Start Vs. Miami Heat

Despite battling the flu, New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler is listed as the team's starting center for their 2012 NBA Playoffs opener against the Miami Heat. Chandler had been announced as a game-time decision by coach Mike Woodson, but it appears he will give it a go for the 3:30 p.m. game.

It remains to be seen how effective Chandler will be. Several reporters who saw him try to warm up noted that he did not look anything like himself when he tried to shoot. If he is not at 100 percent, the Knicks would probably try to play either Amar'e Stoudemire or Jared Jeffries at center for long stretches of the game.

Chandler is a very important player to the Knicks' success, as he shoots 68 percent from the field and anchors their much-improved defense. With Chandler not at 100 percent, the Knicks' chances of stealing Game 1 in Miami just got tougher.

For more on the Knicks, visit Posting And Toasting and SB Nation New York.

ANIMATED: Derrick Rose Offers Encouragement To Those In Minor Skirmish

The Bulls and 76ers just got involved in one of those minor shouting matches that always results in double technicals even though nothing actually happens. There really wasn't anything special about this specific one. Basically, Evan Turner got tangled up with Carlos Boozer's elbow, said something and everyone came over to overreact. Ho hum.

Given that, you have to wonder what Derrick Rose is doing here.

Just a great display of leadership right there. Whenever you can reward your teammates for shouting at the other team, you do it, even if if means you get a technical foul.

For more on the Bulls, check out Blog A Bull and SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Sixers, head over to Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philadelphia.

ANIMATED: Shaq Slides Around In TNT Studio

Look, we're all adults here, right? But no matter how mature you like to think you are, you've been wearing dress shoes at some point and have encountered a floor that was unexpectedly slippery. Dress shoes generally don't have a lot of traction. You either slipped a little and were worried you looked like a doofus, or you took the slightly less dignified (but infinitely more fun) option of sliding around for a while, giggling with glee.

Luckily, that's the approach that Shaquille O'Neal took on Saturday, when he slid willy-nilly around the TNT studios during a break in the playoff game between the Chicago Bulls and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Look at him go! My favorite part is when he stumbles a bit making a right-hand turn but then picks up speed again, like a scared cat starting to run on a linoleum floor. We should all be thankful for Shaq, every day, because he represents the child in us all.

Here's another GIF, one that may perhaps be better paired with a rousing rendition of "Yakkety Sax."

For more on the Bulls, check out Blog A Bull and SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Sixers, head over to Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philadelphia.

PHOTO: Joakim Noah Is 'Mr Omnipresent'

Joakim Noah is one of the most unique centers in the game. He's a great rebounder, a really good pick and roll defender and one of the best playmaking centers in the league. In an attempt to sum up Noah's unique skills, Shaquille O'Neal, who has called himself "The Big Diesel," "Shaqtus," "Shaqovic," "The Big Shamrock" and "Wilt Chamberneezy" at different points during the playing career, gave Noah a nickname: Mr. Omnipresent.

Is it stupid? Of course. Is it better for Shaq to focus on silly stuff like this instead of trying to provide serious analysis? No question. That's why I can't knock this too much. It might just be more entertaining for Shaq to spend every halftime coming up with dumb nicknames.

For more on the Bulls, check out Blog A Bull and SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Sixers, head over to Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philadelphia.

Knicks Vs. Heat: Tyson Chandler A 'Game-Time Decision' With Flu

It remains unclear whether New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler will play in the team's NBA Playoffs opener against the Miami Heat on Saturday. Chandler came down with a bad flu on Friday and didn't practice, and coach Mike Woodson has deemed Chandler a "game-time decision" for Saturday's game. Via Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Knicks coach Mike Woodson says Tyson Chandler will be a game-time decision today due to stomach flu. "He came down for brunch and finally got some food in his stomach. I'm hoping,"

Chandler arrived on the same bus as the rest of the Knicks' starting lineup, so it would be surprising if he does sit out. If that happens for some reason, Amar'e Stoudemire would shift to center and Landry Fields would return to the starting lineup.

Game 1 will take place at 3:30 p.m. on ABC.

For more on the Knicks, visit Posting And Toasting and SB Nation New York.

76ers Vs. Bulls, NBA Playoffs 2012: Why Chicago Fans Are Booing Evan Turner

If you're watching the first game of the 2012 NBA Playoffs between the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers, you may have noticed that Bulls fans are booing Evan Turner every time he touches the ball. You might be wondering why this is happening to a guy who comes off the bench. Here's your answer:

Asked what it would mean to him to play Chicago in the first round, Turner said, "It means we're dodging the tougher team. That's what I think."

The tougher team is the Miami Heat, of course.

Now, personally, I don't think this is an incredibly controversial statement. The 76ers have lost 11 of 12 to the Heat since LeBron James came there, including four of five in last year's playoffs. For the 76ers, Miami probably is the tougher team.

However, there may be an edge to what Turner is saying that goes beyond the obvious. Via CBS Philly:

Evan Turner and Derrick Rose were high school stars in Chicago, for St. Joseph and Simeon high schools respectively. On February 17th, the two teams faced off, and Rose's Simeon team knocked off Turner's St. Joseph's team 74-66. As it turns out, Turner didn't think much of Derrick Rose back then either. "I was better than [Rose]," Turner said to the Chicago Sun Times. "With me guarding him he didn't do much. He knows that and I know that."

Rose didn’t agree. ""We both know who is better," Rose said. "He’s just doing this to get a little bit of publicity. We’ll see who does more on the next level."

High school rivalries stick with you forever, so you have to think Turner had his old feud with Rose in the back of his head when he said the Bulls weren't as good as the Heat. In any event, anything is ripe for bulletin-board material this time of year, so it's not a huge surprise that Bulls fans feel disrespected.

For more on the Bulls, check out Blog A Bull and SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Sixers, head over to Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philadelphia.

ANIMATED: Taj Gibson Is A Fan Of Screaming After He Dunks

It's always fun when Taj Gibson dunks, because he gets excited. When he gets excited, he screams really loudly. To scream really loudly, your face has to look like this.

Please dunk more, Taj, because it's entertaining. Thanks.

For more on the Bulls, check out Blog A Bull and SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Sixers, head over to Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philadelphia.

VIDEO: Shaquille O'Neal Zones Out On TNT Set Before Bulls-Sixers Game

Hey, it's early for the TNT crew. Most of the time, they start working at 8 p.m. and go on until 2 a.m. They aren't used to having to be on top of their game early in the afternoon. That's about the only defense I have for Shaquille O'Neal zoning out on set before the start of the first NBA Playoff Game between the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers.

It's pretty clear that Ernie Johnson is asking Shaq to actually make a point, going so far as to actually point right at Shaq. Shaq responds by starting Johnson down as if he was Chris Dudley. Here, let's watch it again.

Shaq the commentator is clearly rounding into shape just like Shaq the player famously did so many times in his career.

For more on the 2012 NBA Playoffs, be sure to stay tuned to SB Nation's NBA hub.

Heat Vs. Knicks: Tyson Chandler May Not Play In Game 1

Tyson Chandler spent Friday battling flu-like symptoms and may not be able to play in the New York Knicks' Game 1 against the Miami Heat as the 2012 NBA Playoffs open on Saturday. According to Newsday's Al Iannazzone, Knicks coach Mike Woodson said there's a "strong possibility" that the center will have to sit. Even if he does play, he may be in a weakened state. He spent Friday in the team hotel receiving fluids, and apparently wore a surgical mask on the team's flight from Charlotte to Miami to prevent the spread of germs to teammates.

The loss of Chandler would obviously be huge for the Knicks. The center is the anchor of New York's surprisingly good defense. One could argue that Chandler is the only consistent plus defender in the team's starting five. He also has strong experience cutting off penetration by LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, the strongest point of Miami's offense. Chandler starred in the Dallas Mavericks' NBA Finals win over Miami a year ago.

Game 1 is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

For more on the Knicks, visit Posting And Toasting and SB Nation New York.

NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Bulls, Thunder In Play Saturday

The first round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs is scheduled to tip off Saturday. The Chicago Bulls and the Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 1 seeds in the East and West respectively, are both in play, as are the Knicks and Heat.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Bulls Vs. 76ers Game 1: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

Derrick Rose returns for the Chicago Bulls in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Playoffs series against the Philadelphia 76ers.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Thunder Vs. Mavericks Game 1: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Oklahoma City Thunder will be looking for revenge against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, as they try to take out the team who knocked them out of the playoffs last season.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Heat Vs. Knicks Game 1: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Miami Heat host the New York Knicks to kick off their run towards redemption after losing in last year's NBA Finals.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Pacers Vs. Magic Game 1: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

Without Dwight Howard the Orlando Magic look to continue their dominance over the Indiana Pacers in the 2012 NBA Playoffs.