5 NBA Dark Horses That Could Crash Postseason Party

With the NBA Playoffs rapidly approaching, it's time to start thinking about some under-the-radar teams.

In the East, it seems inevitable that barring something unforeseen, the Chicago Bulls will play the Miami Heat for a spot in the Finals. In the West, Oklahoma City is a clear leader, but the Spurs are hanging around, and you can never count out the Lakers or Dallas.

This article looks at teams who could cause some surprises in the playoffs. For some teams, they know that they will make the playoffs and it's about causing some havoc once they get there.

For other teams, they are on the postseason bubble, but if they make it, they have a real shot at doing something.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers have one of the league's best defenses, currently sitting at sixth in the league, giving up 93 points a game.

They are coming off of a big victory, defeating Miami by 15 at home.

The Leandro Barbosa trade was very underrated, as he will give the Pacers someone in the playoffs who can come off the bench and hit big shots.

The Pacers will be very dangerous in the playoffs. They have All-Star caliber players in Roy Hibbert, Danny Granger and David West, exciting young players in Paul George, Darren Collison and George Hill and guys like Tyler Hansbrough and Dahntay Jones, who bring toughness.

The Pacers have proven that they can take down anyone in the East.

Utah Jazz

The Jazz could be dangerous because of their imposing front line.

Al Jefferson is playing like he did in Minnesota, and Paul Millsap is playing at an All-Star level.

Throw in Derrick Favors and possibly Enes Kanter, and that's a deep frontcourt for a team to deal with.

The problem with this team is that Devin Harris isn't exactly a point guard a great team would have running them deep into the playoffs.

As good as their frontcourt is, their perimeter game is awful. They are 29th in the league in three-point shooting.

Still, Utah could scare the Clippers or Spurs in the playoffs.

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets just dismantled the best team in the East on their home floor.

Granted, Derrick Rose didn't play, but that was a statement game.

The Nuggets are a fun team to watch in George Karl's system, as everyone shares the ball and you never know who will step up and have a huge game.

The Nuggets lead the league in assists at almost 24 a game. Andre Miller's influence has helped Ty Lawson develop into the upper tier of NBA point guards.

The Nuggets need at least one star to go all the way, but they have a team that can get to the conference finals.

Minnesota Timberwolves

In the playoffs, you need a superstar, and the Timberwolves have one.

Kevin Love has become one of the 10 best players in the NBA.

The question is if Kevin Love is a difference-maker. Can he elevate a team to higher levels?

Minnesota has some pieces, but Love would need a big series for Minnesota to upset someone.

The Timberwolves probably can't win a series, but they can push a team like the Clippers to a Game 7.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks have a legit shot at the eighth seed in the East for two reasons off the court.

First, the New York Knicks are dealing with injuries.

Amare Stoudemire is hurt, and Jeremy Lin is also banged up.

Secondly, the Bucks have a much easier schedule down the stretch than the Knicks.

The Bucks aren't beating the Bulls, but a backcourt of Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings could be explosive.

When you add in the length and athleticism the Bucks have with their wings and bigs, plus a Derrick Rose not at 100 percent, the Bucks could be a threat.