NBA Power Rankings: Mediocre Teams That Will Be Major Postseason Threats

The 2012 NBA season is almost at the midpoint and a number of teams have clearly separated from the rest of the pack.

However, that doesn’t make a difference come May, as everyone is 0-0 once they make it into the postseason.

Let’s take a look at some teams who are just decent now, but can be a real threat if and when they get to the playoffs.

No. 11 – Atlanta Hawks (18-10)

February has not been kind to Atlanta, who have dropped four of their six games so far this month.

However, Josh Smith is playing exceedingly well, averaging 17.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 3.0 blocks and 1.6 steals over the last five games.

This team will get even better if they can get past the first round or so of the playoffs and Al Horford returns from his torn pectoral muscle.

No. 12 – Orlando Magic (17-11)

The Magic need a deep playoff run if they want to convince Dwight Howard to stick around past this season.

If they can add an impact veteran between now and the trade deadline, this team will be extremely dangerous.

They have already proven they can beat teams like Miami and Indiana and can hang with anyone in the conference.

No. 13 – Dallas Mavericks (17-11)

Dirk Nowitzki has been playing himself into shape this season and even admitted he did not deserve to be an All-Star this year.

NBA coaches voted him in based on his reputation and also must know he will be healthy, fit and ready to go come playoff time.

The Mavericks are defending champions and have to be treated as true contenders until they lose in the postseason.

NBA Power Rankings

1. Chicago Bulls

2. Miami Heat

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

4. Philadelphia 76ers

5. Indiana Pacers

6. Los Angeles Clippers

7. San Antonio Spurs

8. Los Angeles Lakers

9. Boston Celtics

10. Denver Nuggets

11. Atlanta Hawks

12. Orlando Magic

13. Dallas Mavericks

14. Portland Trail Blazers

15. Minnesota Timberwolves

16. Utah Jazz

17. Houston Rockets

18. Memphis Grizzlies

19. New York Knicks

20. Cleveland Cavaliers

21. Milwaukee Bucks

22. Toronto Raptors

23. Golden State Warriors

24. Sacramento Kings

25. Phoenix Suns

26. New Jersey Nets

27. Washington Wizards

28. Detroit Pistons

29. New Orleans Hornets

30. Charlotte Bobcats