NBA Playoff Predictions: Kevin Durant and 6 Players to Watch Out For

If anything was learned from OKC's 103-87 win against the Heat Sunday night, it's that Kevin Durant's status as a member of the NBA's elite is well-earned.

Durant's 28 points, nine rebounds, and season high-tying eight assists against LeBron James and the Heat Sunday night erased any doubts as to whether the lanky forward belongs in the discussion for the MVP, as he outplayed James and exerted control over the game from start to finish.

In what many saw as a possible Finals preview, Durant proved he is ready to wreak havoc come playoff season, making his inclusion on this list a foregone conclusion. But who will join him amongst the most dangerous players come playoff time?

Joe Johnson

Known as much for his comfy paychecks as his shooting ability, Joe Johnson may be rearing up to prove to Hawks fans that he is worth his salary.

After a slow start to the season and a knee-injury that sidelined him during the All-Star break, Johnson appears to be hitting his stride, averaging 25 points per game during his last 10 games, including 37 in the thrilling four-OT game against the Jazz Sunday night.

With Al Horford out for the season, the scoring burden has fallen even more on Johnson than previous years, and if Johnson can keep this current hot streak going, the Hawks may be in a position to make a run in the Eastern Conference.

Zach Randolph

Returning from injury just in time to end a recent Memphis skid, Zach Randolph could provide the Grizzlies with just the low-post talent they'll need to make a run in the postseason.

Randolph is just starting to get rotated back into the lineup, coming off the bench Monday for 10 points and 12 rebounds in a 102-96 win against the Lakers, his first double-double since returning from a torn MCL.

Z-Bo's conditioning and durability are still a question, but if Randolph can return to last season's form (20 ppg, 12 rpg), the Grizzlies will be dangerous come playoffs.

Jeremy Lin

As tired as you and the rest of the sports world may be of hearing about Jeremy Lin, if there were any a time which "Linsanity" (bleh) could once again catch fire, it would be playoff time.

Lin is still putting up solid numbers, averaging around 15 points and seven assists in his last 10 games, and the Knicks' recent coaching shakeup has seemed to reinvigorate the team.

If this newfound energy reaches Lin and he can return to his early-season form, Lin could potentially reintroduce himself as a budding star during the playoffs and help New York make an impact in the postseason. 

Andre Iguodala

Iguodala has been bubbling underneath the radar for most of his eight-year career, but 2012 may finally be the former Arizona star's breakout year.

Iguodala was named to his first All-Star game as a reserve, and has helped put the 76ers in the playoff race after several lackluster years.

The forward possesses an explosive athleticism, and if he decides to shoulder the workload for the Sixers during the postseason, he could be this year's breakout playoff star.

Ramon Sessions

After toiling for three years in the cellars of the Eastern Conference, Ramon Session's move to the Los Angeles may just be the young guard's chance at stardom.

Since joining the Lakers five games ago, sessions is averaging almost 14 points and seven assists a game, and has given coach Mike Brown's team a new dimension on offense.

If Sessions can keep his current momentum into the playoffs, he could be poised for a Mike Bibby-in-2001 type performance.

Stephen Jackson

Stephen Jackson's recent addition to the Spurs is giving fans in San Antonio new hope for the four-time champions' playoff hopes.

Jackson's reputation as a hard-nosed and energetic player on both ends of the court makes him coach Greg Popovich's dream role player, and the former Buck's skill set and style of play will translate well to the postseason.

When combined with the Spurs' experience in the playoffs and Popovich's ability to draw out the best in his role players come crunch time, Jackson appears to be poised to have a big April with San Antonio.