NBA Playoffs 2012: Breaking Down Potential Postseason Surprises
We are on the cusp of the NBA playoffs, a marathon postseason that will no doubt provide its share of surprises. The last few weeks give us a glimpse of what to expect.
I've nearly forgotten all about the tumult and strife that began the season due to a lingering lockout, mainly because this season has had so many plot twists and turns.
There are sure to be a few more to come, but I have picked out a few teams that will be very interesting to watch entering the postseason.
Great play late and building momentum are vitally important. Here are a few teams that could surprise with a run far longer than we expected from them.
Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics
I continue to be in awe of the Celtics' season, which has been both tragic and magical all in one. At one point, we were ready to blow this whole thing up and start over.
While the offseason will feature major turnover, Rajon Rondo's emergence as a player that can serve up consistent dominance has them 6-4 in their last ten games.
Their two wins over the Miami Heat signal that they can still get the big victories. Health and durability will be the obvious issue.
New York Knicks
Let me state straight out that I am not about to say the Knicks can take down the Heat, whom they would play as of right now, or even the Bulls.
However, this is a totally different team under Mike Woodson. With a healthy Amare Stoudemire, they could be very dangerous.
Western Conference
Memphis Grizzlies:
I am much more prepared for a long run by the Grizzlies this season. They continue to have the depth and length in the paint that gets you far in a seven game series.
They split the series with the Clippers this season, but there is no discounting a team that is just as hot as any in the league right now.
In April, they have taken games from the Clippers, who they are likely to face, the Heat and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
LA Lakers:
I understand that they are still contenders in many people's eyes, but they are far too inconsistent to be certain of a long-lasting run into the postseason, especially after getting blown out recently by the San Antonio Spurs.
That being said, I think any team that can go 4-6 while one of the best players in the game, Kobe Bryant, is sitting out due to injury, is going to be that much more dangerous when he returns.
The emergence of Andrew Bynum coupled with a hot Metta World Peace can put them back in the finals.
