NBA Playoffs 2012: Derrick Rose and Other Stars Who Must Fight Through Injury

The NBA playoffs are upon us, and with that come major injury concerns for a few contenders. Some teams have learned to play quite well without their stars, but each team must realize that they still need their playmakers in order to be serious contenders.

Most of these players have had time to recover, but they are still expected to have some lingering effects of their injuries.

The following players must fight through their physical issues if their teams are to have any shot at contending.

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Rose has missed 26 games this season with various injuries. He is expected to play in the Bulls' final two games. The Bulls are 17-9 without the reigning MVP, but make no mistake, Rose must play in order for the Bulls to have a shot at contending.

His injuries have forced others to step up in his absence, but will they be able to find their place in the offense with him on the floor?

There is no switch that blends it all together. But if the Bulls can get increased production from Luol Deng (who is also battling an injury), Carlos Boozer and Richard Hamilton, they can push and possibly beat the Miami Heat.

Though that is a Willis Tower-sized if.


Amar'e Stoudemire, New York Knicks

Tyson Chandler is more important to the team and he should be fully recovered from his knee injury. That leaves STAT as the primary concern amongst the Knicks' walking wounded. The Knicks need his scoring and rebounding. He is the secondary supplier to both to Carmelo Anthony and Chandler.

Stoudemire is recovering from a back injury he suffered in March, but has looked good since returning last week.

He gives the Knicks size on the interior and a valid scoring option from 15 feet in. If he isn't healthy, almost all of the scoring burden falls on Anthony. And that won't fly against either of the Knicks' potential first-round opponents (Bulls and Heat).


Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies

Randolph suffered a knee injury on New Year's Day. He returned on March 16, but has played more than 30 minutes only once since his return.

Marreese Speights has filled in nicely for him, but the Grizz need Z-Bo to be dominant and command a double team on the block.

This will especially be the case against the Clippers in the first round, now that Memphis and Los Angeles are locked in as first-round playoff foes.

Randolph's effectiveness could be essential in getting Blake Griffin or DeAndre Jordan in foul trouble. That is a factor that could shift the balance of the series.

A healthy Randolph is huge for the Grizzlies' chance of advancement.


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