NBA 2012: Who Will Challenge the Miami Heat in 2012?

After LeBron James and Chris Bosh decided to join forces with Dwyane Wade during free agency last season, the Miami Heat arguably became the most hated franchise in professional sports.  With the new "Big Three" in the fold down in South Florida, and bold statements like the franchise winning "not one, not two, not three" championships, it was understandable for non-Heat fans to assign them as the villains of the National Basketball Association.

While some of the vitriol directed towards Miami may have subsided during the onset of the 2011-12 edition of NBA basketball, the same question remains: Which team can beat the Heat in the Eastern Conference? 

Chicago Bulls

For most, the "odds on" favorite has to be the Chicago Bulls. Miami's' opponent from last season's Eastern Conference Finals are playing great basketball to start this season. Although Chicago lost 97-93 last night in the first matchup between the two since the playoffs last spring, the short-handed Bulls proved that they could keep up the pace with LeBron and co. 

Why Chicago can beat Miami? Reigning league MVP Derrick Rose and the Bulls are averaging 97 PPG, and are holding their opponents to a league best 87 PPG.  If Chicago is going to get past Miami this time around, they are going to have to continue their solid defensive effort and apply constant pressure to LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

Derrick Rose is the Bulls young leader.  He is averaging 21.9 points per game this season, and just shy of 8 assists as well.  Rose has the mentality to take over the game come crunch time. It's good to have that determination, but against a Heat team that can be your downfall. 

Philadelphia 76ers

The other team that might be able to top Miami in a series is the Philadelphia 76ers. The team has had a sudden resurgence, and could very well be a favorite for the East, but they will have to prove that to nonbelievers in the long run. 

The 76ers are averaging 98.7 PPG and are currently fourth in all of the NBA.  Even more impressive is that they out score opponents by about 12 points.  Their field goal percentage is at .469.  I know short term goals are good, but failing short of an NBA title is a failure for any team, and to get their the road leads through Miami. 

Andre Iguodala gives the 76ers 100 percent daily.  Although he is only averaging 12.8 PPG, he is surrounded by a supportive group of players that hold their own, and that's what makes this team deadly. 

Atlanta Hawks

The last team with a "snowballs chance in Texas" is the Atlanta Hawks.  Even with key injuries, the Hawks are still managing to play solid basketball and win games.  Can they beat the Heat is the question here.

An offense lead by Josh Smith and Joe Johnson could provide a challenge to Miami.  The Hawks are averaging 97.7 PPG, but they are allowing their opponents to score too; the opponents average 92.2. This leaves a small margin for error, and against a team like the Heat you need breathing room. 

The Outcome

With that being said, the Miami Heat very well might dominate the East, but you have the beat the best in the West to call yourself a champion in June, so until then we can prolong the crowning of "King James."