4 New Teams That Are NBA Playoff-Bound

One thing about the NBA is that it's extremely difficult for up-and-coming teams to crack the playoffs.

Most of the time it's the same usual suspects that make the postseason, but this year could be different. We could see as many as four new teams chasing the title.

Here's a look at each one.

Milwaukee Bucks

This is a big "if" considering it's very tough to crack the top eight seeds. Seven of the eight seeds are virtual locks and the final spot could still be had by the Philadelphia 76ers, but if there is a team that might be ready to sneak in, it could very well be the Milwaukee Bucks.

Milwaukee has a solid point guard in Brandon Jennings and good post play with Andrew Bogut along with several other decent pieces. The Bucks were a playoff team in 2010 and could make a return trip.

Los Angeles Clippers

This is an easy choice. The additions of Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups and Caron Butler to go along with big men Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan will make the Clippers a playoff team for the first time since the 2006 season.

Golden State Warriors

If Mark Jackson's team keeps playing on the defensive end the way they have to begin the 2011-12 season, the Warriors have a chance at the playoffs for the first time since 2007. They definitely have the guard play, and if David Lee can get some help in the frontcourt the Warriors have a real solid chance to sneak in.

Houston Rockets

If there is a wild-card team capable of making a run at the playoffs, it's the Houston Rockets, who are currently in a two-year postseason drought. The have a future superstar in guard Kyle Lowry and Samuel Dalembert should be able to provide the post defense that they have been desperately missing. There likely won't be enough spots available for three new teams from the West though.