NBA Playoffs 2012: How Health Could Affect NBA Finals Matchup

The road to 2012 NBA Finals, as it often does, will come down to a few major factors—skill, teamwork and health.

That last factor is the most important and most unpredictable. A blown ACL or broken hand could completely swing a playoff series and even the outcome of the Finals.

Plenty of series throughout the history of the league have been impacted by health in a major way. Being the favorite to win or having the best player on the floor only means so much in the face of an unexpected and devastating injury.

If you don’t believe me, ask Celtics fans about Kendrick Perkins in Game 6 of the 2010 Finals.

Let’s take a look at how injuries could affect some 2012 playoff teams.

Healthy Favorites

Oklahoma City Thunder – OKC was blessed with good health this year and that could be attributed to their youth. This team is playing at a high level and barring an untimely injury, should be right back in the Western Conference Finals.

Miami Heat – While the Heat dealt with injuries to Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James at various times this season, none were serious and it doesn’t look like any will be lingering come playoff time.

Concerned Contender

Chicago Bulls – With Derrick Rose missing tons of action this year with various ailments, the Bulls have to be worried about their chances. If he can’t stay on the court during a seven game series, it could spell their doom.

Creaky Veterans

Boston Celtics – The C’s are rolling right now but they are one Paul Pierce elbow, Ray Allen ankle or KG knee injury away from imploding and exiting early.

San Antonio Spurs – This squad is one of the best in the West, even when resting Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker for stretches. However, when rotations tighten up and teams lock in, they can’t afford to have a single one of those stars out.

Los Angeles Lakers – No player means more to his team than Kobe Bryant does to the Lakers. They simply have no chance without him. They have to be praying he holds up during the playoffs. Fortunately, he’s one of the toughest players in the league and will grin and bear punishment that would sideline most men.

Unfortunate Timing

New York Knicks – The Knickerbockers have likely lost PG Jeremy Lin for at least the first round series and Amar’e Stoudemire is not 100 percent healthy due to a back injury.

Carmelo Anthony will have to get lucky and put this team on his back if they want to advance.