4 Predictions for the Philadelphia 76ers Heading into 2012 NBA Playoffs

The 2012 Philadelphia 76ers are 29-24 after Tuesday night's loss to the Miami Heat. They have lost to the Heat 11 times in a row and do not want to draw them in the first round of the playoffs. They are currently paired with the Heat if the playoffs started today.

That being said, the Sixers are not a lock for the playoffs, and a couple more wins will secure them a place in the postseason. They started off the season 20-9 and showed they could be a force in the NBA this season.

Here are four predictions for the 76ers heading into the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

They Will Win at Least One Playoff Series

With 12 games left on board, there is a lot of room to move up and down the standings. The Sixers do not want to play Miami first round because they have the worst history with them but that can be avoiding if they win a couple more of their games.

They could draw a more favorable matchup against Orlando or Indiana, whom they have beaten this season, That would increase the odds that they could win a playoff series, something they haven't done since 2003.

They Could Reach the NBA Finals

Despite the Sixers' second half skid, keep in mind this team started out 20-9 and had the attention of the entire league. Before there was Linsanity, the story was how well the Sixers were playing.

There might have been something cosmic going on with that, but nevertheless the Sixers showed for a while they could be an elite team. If they play to that form the rest of the way and into the playoffs, they might shock everyone with a trip to the Finals.

Elton Brand Will Play Like an All Star

Despite having close to the worst statistics in his 12-year NBA career, Brand has come alive lately and posted some impressive 20-point, 10-rebound games, showing his All-Star form of old. If the Sixers wish to do big things in the playoffs, they will need that savvy from their veteran big man.

Evan Turner Will Validate His No. 2 Overall Selection

Since being drafted No. 2 overall in the 2010 NBA Draft, Evan Turner has been mostly a bust. The Sixers could have taken DeMarcus Cousins, who has shown he can be a franchise player with the Kings this season.

Nevertheless, it is not too late for Turner to change that perception, and all Turner has to do is play big and put the team on his back. In the loss Tuesday to Miami, he scored 24 points—13 in a second period where he dominated. He needs to play like that every night to show that he has what it takes.