NBA Playoffs 2012: Memphis Grizzlies and Dangerous Under-the-Radar Teams

The 2012 NBA Playoffs will feature several basketball titans and several teams looking to knock off the top dogs. The first round will not be all chalk, and these under-the-radar teams will be the culprits. 

Top seeds will be favored. Lower seeds will claim surprising series victories. 

These are the squads the top seeds need to fear in this year's edition of the NBA Playoffs. 

Indiana Pacers

It is ridiculous to think the Pacers are still an under-the-radar team at this point, but they are. That is what happens when you do not have a superstar in a star's league. 

The Pacers are the East's No. 3 seed currently and are a major threat to the Bulls and Heat for an Eastern Conference crown. 

Indiana wins games with their defense and exceptional team rebounding. The Pacers are ninth in points allowed per game and fifth in rebounds per game. 

Their team-first philosophy rings true on both ends of the floor. The Pacers do not have a player averaging 20 ppg, but all five starters average double figures. The Pacers also have a solid bench, with three players averaging over nine points per game in reserve roles. 

If you believe defenses win championships, then the Pacers should be in the thick of your title conversation. Frank Vogel inspires his players to get after it with great on-ball pressure and active hands. 

The Pacers have it all. Roy Hibbert is a budding big man, Danny Granger is an underrated scorer and Paul George is on his way to becoming a star. 

If they keep their inexperience in check, the Pacers are more than capable of coming out of the Eastern Conference. 

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks are the NBA's sleeping giant heading into the playoffs. The defending champions are currently the Western Conference's No. 6 seed, but no one wants to see them in the postseason.

Dallas has a tremendous amount of experience. Dirk Nowitzki, Shawn Marion, Vince Carter and Jason Terry are all grizzled NBA veterans itching for one last championship run. 

A shortened NBA season will benefit experienced teams come playoff time. These teams know what it takes to win in the postseason without facing the wear and tear of a normal NBA season.

The Mavericks are a middle-of-the-pack defensive team. They use their basketball savvy to keep more athletic teams in check. 

Offensively, Nowitzki and Terry can stretch the floor. They are extremely dangerous perimeter shooters. Marion and Carter have both lost a step but are still athletic. 

The key for the Mavericks is Rodrigue Beaubois. He is a dynamic scorer off the Dallas bench and brings a younger presence to their veteran team. 

This team should scare people come playoff time. Sixth seed or not, they are the defending champions for a reason.

No one expected their run to happen last season, either.

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks are an under-the-radar fifth seed with serious upset potential. The Hawks have won seven of their last ten and are hitting their stride at the right time.

Atlanta has been in the Eastern Conference playoff conversation for a few seasons now. So far, they have failed to get over the hump. That will change this season. 

The Hawks do not score a ton of points. However, they are the No. 5 scoring defense in the NBA. Everyone defends their position well and invests a lot in creating turnovers. 

Atlanta is tough if they create turnovers. They thrive in the open floor because of their high-level athletes. 

Josh Smith, Joe Johnson and Jeff Teague are all capable scorers. Marvin Williams is very athletic, and Zaza Pachulia holds his own in the paint.

The Hawks could meet Boston in the first round of the playoffs. If they do, the Hawks will absolutely score a first-round upset. Boston's age and ultra-slow style will not break down Atlanta's stifling team defense. 

Atlanta may not put many fans in the stands, but they will have observers on national television. Expect an impressive performance.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies made an unlikely playoff run last season, and they will again this season. The Grizzlies may get a chance to knock off the Clippers in Round 1. If they get that chance, they will capitalize.

Like many under-the-radar teams, Memphis relies on a team-first mentality and defense to win games. They are the No. 7 scoring defense in the NBA and do not have a weakness in that area. 

Offensively, Rudy Gay leads the way. Gay is an electric player in the open floor with a capable perimeter shot. He is a matchup nightmare because of his athleticism and ability to play multiple positions. 

Mike Conley makes sure Gay gets his looks. Conley is a very underrated point guard with a dangerous scoring touch of his own.

The Grizzlies have it all. Marc Gasol controls the low block with his work on the glass and stout defensive tactics. Marreese Speights aids Gasol off the bench with the same style of play.

Everyone slept on Memphis last season and learned their lesson the hard way. The Grizzlies are more experienced and just as talented this time around.

Memphis will upset their first-round opponent.