NBA Playoffs Bracket 2012: Predicting Which Underdogs Will Triumph in 1st Round

It just doesn't feel like the postseason without a good upset. 

This year's underdogs are a motley crew, and their respective chances at surviving the first round are all over the place. The only certainty is that we will see at least one surprise—some well-coached, determined team almost always finds a way.

And, of course, that's exactly what every player on each of these teams is telling himself. Contenders can fall flat, and any team in the postseason is capable of getting hot at the right time. Sure, it's against the odds, but chance is a funny thing the way.

Who will beat those odds this year?

New York Knicks 

It may sound like heresy, but the Knicks have a real chance of upsetting the Heat if three things happen: Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will need to have some off games, New York must play first-rate defense and Carmelo Anthony can't afford to be anything short of amazing.

Prediction: Maybe...  

Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia could take a game or two from the Bulls, but Chicago isn't in any real danger here unless a very deep team implodes all at once. That's probably not going to happen on Tom Thibodeau's watch. Chicago is just a better team in every possible respect. You have to give Doug Collins' club credit for an impressive season, but that's all. 

Prediction: The 76ers don't have a chance.

Memphis Grizzlies

Can we even still label the Grizzlies "underdogs"? They have beaten so many good teams, and they'll probably beat the Clippers. They would hit San Antonio next, the team Memphis knocked out of the first round last year. Memphis is for real—they're not quite contenders, but don't tell them that.

Prediction: Upset, if you can even call it that.

Denver Nuggets

Denver has a chance for two reasons. First, the Lakers haven't played well on the road, and Denver's altitude can make it especially rough for a couple of All-Star seven-footers to run the court in an up-tempo game. Second, Denver is a deep team that can put up a lot of points. The Lakers will need to play championship defense.

Prediction: The Nuggets will probably be one-and-done once again, but they'll put up a good fight.

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks have a very outside chance of taking down the Celtics. Whether Al Horford plays or not, this team will almost certainly be outplayed and out-coached by Boston. Atlanta does have a knack for pulling upsets and they're well-accustomed to the Conference Semifinals, but this probably isn't their year.

Prediction: It's unlikely Atlanta gets out of the first round.

Utah Jazz

The Jazz do have the kind of size that tends to bother San Antonio, but it won't bother them enough to lose four games. The Spurs are healthier than last year and playing the best basketball they've played in years. The Jazz could steal a game, but this could very well be a quick sweep.

Prediction: Where's the Mailman when you need him? 

Dallas Mavericks

Sure, the Mavericks are the defending champs, and that has to count for something. But, probably not enough. Dallas always has a shot—Rick Carlisle is a fantastic coach and Dirk Nowitzki can be unstoppable. It's just hard to imagine this team stopping Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden over the course of a seven-game series.

Prediction: Not liking Dallas' chances at all, but stranger things have happened.

Orlando Magic

These guys don't have a shot. They're primed for a quick exit without Dwight Howard, and this team just needs to start thinking about the future. That said, there would be no better imaginable Disney story than this team magically going on a roll. There are some good shooters here, but let's face it—taking a series to seven games would be an accomplishment for this club right now.

Prediction: I wish.