NBA Playoffs 2012: Thunder and Teams That Aren't Ready for a Championship

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the feel-good story of 2012, featuring three potential perennial All-Stars in Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. However, as the 2012 NBA Playoffs open on Saturday, the Thunder find themselves in the unfamiliar position of being a favorite.

In their two previous playoff runs, a conference semifinals loss to the L.A. Lakers in 2010 and the Western Conference Finals loss to Dallas last year, they weren't expected to win as they are now.

They've been the darlings of the West for most of the season. Aside from a late push by the San Antonio Spurs, the Thunder have been the best team in the West.

Now, as they enter the postseason, questions of their ability to close games late and run the "playoff" offense surmount. They aren't the only team that isn't ready to win a championship in 2012, though.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Can Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook co-exist? It's been the question all season, and they'll set out to prove in the postseason that they're better together than apart.

Elsewhere, questions of Scott Brooks' ability to call offenses and defenses is also in limbo, partially due to the poor late-game execution just a year ago against Dallas.

They'll have a chance to bury those concerns in the first round against the Mavericks, but can they do so against the likes of the Lakers and Spurs when the game is on the line? History says no.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are a young team with a bright future. Paul George is one of the rising stars in this league, and Danny Granger has been quietly good for about five years. Throw in youngsters Roy Hibbert and Darren Collison, and this team is one or two solid veterans away from perennial contending.

However, right now they don't play staunch enough defense, and likely won't have the mental toughness needed to tackle the best in the East for three rounds. They'll get a beat-up, drama-charged Orlando team, but that confidence will be wiped clean when either Miami or New York comes rolling in for Round 2.

Denver Nuggets

Top to bottom, the Nuggets have a dangerous team. They have no major stars, no major offensive leaders, but they play as a team, and have some of the greatest depth in the league.

Ty Lawson is as quick as they come. Danilo Gallinari, when healthy, has proven to be more than just a shooter. If they can retain JaVale McGee in free agency, their youth and depth going forward should scare the rest of West.

It won't scare the Lakers in Round 1, though, and they'll need an additional year to make the big step.