NBA Playoffs 2012: Storylines to Watch as Road to Title Begins
While 14 teams start thinking a bit harder about who they'll select in June's NBA draft, the rest of the league is gearing up for yet another epic postseason.
The stories that emerge along the way could be just as interesting as who wins and who loses on any given night.
Here are six subplots to get the drama started.
Will the Chicago Bulls avenge their 2011 loss to the Miami Heat?
The Bulls suffered a five-game collapse at Miami's hands in last year's Eastern Conference finals. By all accounts, the two clubs appear to be on a collision course to revisit the scene of the crime.
Motivation alone won't be enough to surmount Miami's unprecedented core talent. The good news for Chicago is that it has quite a bit of talent of its own, an airtight defense and superior post talent. Those are the kinds of things that win championships, and Chicago will look to prove as much this time around—even if Miami gets in the way.
Will the Heat even survive long enough to face the Bulls?
The Heat may be the favorite to win it all, but the road will be longer and harder than most anticipate. The New York Knicks are playing far better than the average seventh seed at the moment—this team can play defense and score from the inside and perimeter alike.
Assuming Miami passes its first test, it could face a dangerously unassuming team in the Indiana Pacers.
Will either opponent upset Miami? The odds certainly aren't in their favors, but don't be too shocked if the Heat go home early.
Are the Boston Celtics a championship team again?
This team was nearly disassembled at the trade deadline, but there probably isn't a Celtics fan on the planet wishing those deals had gone through. Doc Rivers' team has hit its stride at the perfect time and looks poised to contend with the Bulls and Heat.
This could be the last time Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen have a chance to win another ring with Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce. Both are free agents at the end of the season, and their returns may hinge upon just how successful this postseason ultimately winds up being.
Can anyone stop the San Antonio Spurs?
San Antonio forced itself into title consideration alongside the younger and ostensibly more elite ranks of the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Spurs have overcome doubts that they're too old and brittle, but at least some of those doubts will remain until this team proves it can still go all the way.
How will Metta World Peace's suspension affect the Los Angeles Lakers?
The NBA gave Metta World Peace a seven-game suspension for his elbow to James Harden's head, and six of those absences will come in the postseason (assuming the Lakers last for six games, of course).
The good news for the Lakers is that they're still an excellent team without World Peace. The bad news is that Los Angeles is thin at the small forward position and could certainly use the defensive help on the wing.
Do the Memphis Grizzlies have what it takes to improve upon last year's postseason?
Memphis pulled an upset over the first-seeded Spurs last season and could run into San Antonio once again if both teams make it to the conference semifinals. The Grizzlies are an even better team this year and should benefit from having Rudy Gay on the floor.
This is a team that's beaten more than its fair share of contenders since the All-Star break. How it will respond to the increased expectations could substantially shape the race in the West.
