NBA Playoffs Bracket 2012: Predicting Biggest Upsets of the First Round

We are knocking on the door of the NBA playoffs, and it gives us a chance to take a look at some possibly shocking upsets among the matchups ahead of us. 

Let's start by stating straight out that it's still early in the season regarding playoff speculation. There are some teams that can rise or fall to various seeds in the bracket. 

However, we have some matchups in the current standings that are very intriguing considering what they would look like over a full series. 

Here are some matchups that could shock us all when if they actually commence as we see. 

For a update bracket with current standing incorporated, visit the official bracket at ESPN. 

1. No. 5 Memphis Grizzlies vs. No. 4 LA Clippers: 

This is a matchup the Clippers need to fear heading into the final few games of the season. Their neighbors down the hall, the LA Lakers, should also feel a bit squeamish. 

Neither LA Team will want this matchup in the first round because it could be their last. The Grizzlies have the length and intangibles in the paint to negate a payer like Blake Griffin. 

The Clippers own the series 2-1 with the Grizzlies winning the most recent meeting, 94-85. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph are a pain to deal with on both ends of the court, but I see the X-factor being center Marreese Speights. 

Not only does Speights add a great deal of depth, he can shoot the mid-range jumper, bringing the Clippers away from the basket. I see doom for Lob City in the form of rebounding and overall frontcourt play. 

Prediction: Grizzlies Win 

2. No. 6 Orlando Magic vs. No. 3 Indiana Pacers: 

This is an iffy proposition that demands Dwight Howard plays. 

The Chicago Tribune reports Howard is rehabbing his herniated disc and is hopeful to play in the postseason. 

That also means there is a great deal of doubt that he may suit up again this season. With a healthy Howard, the Magic can take the series, even from a well-rounded team like the Pacers. 

The Magic own the season series 3-1 and have proved to be a headache for Indiana this season, but they need Howard, and they need him at his fullest. 

Prediction: Magic Win 

3. No. 7 NY Knicks vs. No. 2 Miami Heat: 

It's time to get nuts. 

I understand the Miami Heat have owned the season series, 3-0, but I am confident this series would be far closer than many would be willing to accept. 

The Heat beat the Knicks in the first meeting with Carmelo Anthony out. Their second matchup in February featured a Jeremy Lin that was ill-equipped and subsequently dominated with double teams. 

Even the third win featured a Knicks team without Amar'e Stoudemire. New York should be at near full health in this series and will have a Tyson Chandler that is very aware of how to get at the Heat in a playoff series. 

I still give the Heat the edge, but this will not be a cakewalk for the Heat. 

Prediction: Heat win

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