NBA Playoffs 2012: Power Ranking Each Team's Chances of Winning Title

It's NBA Playoffs Time, and as such, it's time to establish power rankings for each team's chances to win the 2012 championship trophy.

There are some obvious favorites to win the title this year. There are also some teams that don't have a chance.

Regular season success isn't everything, either. The playoffs bring an entirely different set of circumstances and rules, and teams that can execute in their half-court sets and play good defense are going to be ranked higher than teams that love to run.

1. Chicago Bulls

The Bulls are far and away the best team in the NBA. Derrick Rose is finally getting somewhat healthy, and if he continues to get his legs back underneath him, they are finally going to get over the hump and win a championship.

2. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs have seemingly turned the clock back 10 years. They are playing championship basketball, and the team concept has never been stronger under Gregg Popovich's reign.

Tim Duncan is also fresh and ready to play a lot of minutes after being used sparingly during the regular season. 

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are almost ready to take it to the next level.

Almost.

4. Los Angeles Lakers

Kobe Bryant showed the world how much he cared about the scoring title by sitting out their final game, denying himself the opportunity. 

All he cares about is winning, and he is on a major mission to cement his legacy further as one of the NBA's all-time greats.

5. Miami Heat

You can't win championships without a solid team. That being said, the Heat could almost do it on the backs of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.

6. Boston Celtics

The old gang is still at it, and they're going strong heading into the playoffs. Having Ray Allen come off the bench was a brilliant move, but they don't have enough offense to hang with the powerhouses of the East.

7. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs aren't nearly as strong a team as they were a year ago when they won the title, but as long as Dirk Nowitzki is still capable of shooting the rock, he gives them a slim chance to repeat.

8. Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are a complete team that plays excellent defense. They have a ton of guys that can score from night-to-night, but they don't have an elite scorer to keep them in close games when everyone else gets cold.

9. Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are developing a good, young team, but they are miles away from truly being able to contend for a championship.

10. Los Angeles Clippers

I love what the Clippers are building in LA, and it won't be long before they overtake the Lakers, but they are still a few key players away from bringing home a trophy.

11. Atlanta Hawks

With Al Horford out of the picture, I fear the Hawks won't last past the first round. Joe Johnson could come through with a huge series, though, but even if he ,they aren't good enough to go far.

12. Denver Nuggets 

I love the fact that the Nuggets have so many different contributors on offense. They lack a true No. 1 option, though, and they won't be able to hang against the Lakers' big men in Round 1.

13. New York Knicks

Carmelo Anthony is going to have a good series against the Heat in the first round. He loves to compete against James, but he doesn't have enough help to get out of the first round.

14. Utah Jazz

I love the way the Jazz dominate the paint. Unfortunately for them, they won't be able to do so against the Spurs in the first round without an answer for Tony Parker.

15. Philadelphia 76ers

Need. More. Offense.

16. Orlando Magic

The Magic would have been better off landing a lottery pick. They are going to get hammered by the Pacers in Round 1.

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