NBA Playoffs 2012: 6 Players Whose Teams Are Depending on Them

The NBA Playoffs stands for team opportunity and success, but requires for the biggest superstars to rise to the occasion. Every player has a role on their team, but some stars must shine brighter to propel their team to the next level.

Given some injuries, suspensions, and other circumstances, a great amount of pressure has been placed upon the shoulders of certain NBA superstars. Moments like these separate the true from the fake. The best will step up at the crucial moments where they're needed most.

Here are six players who have become the life line of their team in the 2012 NBA playoffs.

1. Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala has been the best player on the Philadelphia 76ers since the departure of Allen Iverson. After finally establishing himself as the floor general, Iguodala has led the Sixers into the postseason against the Chicago Bulls.

Derrick Rose suffered a devastating ACL tear in Game 1 against the Sixers, creating a huge issue for the Bulls. How Chicago will respond to Rose's injury is yet to be seen, but it definitely creates a huge window of opportunity for Philadelphia.

The Sixers have plenty of playmakers on their roster, but only one true leader. Iguodala will have to carry this team on his back if they have any chance of upsetting the Chicago Bulls. Tonight stands a statement game for the Sixers, and Iguodala will have to lead the charge on their quest to a championship. Iguodala is one of the most complete and all-around players in the playoffs, and he'll have to be that from here on out for the Sixers.

2. Carmelo Anthony

After joining the New York Knicks, there was pressure on Carmelo Anthony to validate himself for leaving the Denver Nuggets. When Jeremy Lin injured his knee in the regular season, there was more pressure on Anthony to keep the Knicks on the right path to success. Now that Amare Stoudemire and Iman Shumpert have gone down with injuries, the spotlight is back on Anthony once again.

'Melo has never been fearful of the big moments, but none is bigger than the current state of the New York Knicks. New York is sitting behind the Miami Heat at 0-2 in their first-round series. As they head back home to Madison Square Garden, it's all or nothing.

Anthony and the Knicks cannot fall behind three games to Miami, making this upcoming match-up a must-win. Plenty of clutch shots and big moments have been made by Anthony at Madison Square Garden. He'll need plenty more in these next couple of games if they want to survive and advance into the next round.

3. Andrew Bynum

After a short season in the NBA, Andrew Bynum has finally answered all the questions on his health and potential. In 66 regular season games, and a dominant game 1 against the Denver Nuggets, Bynum has become the most important piece to the Lakers title run.

Bynum had a very impressive regular season, averaging 18.7 points per game and 11.8 rebounds, solidifying himself as the most important Laker during Kobe Bryant's absence. Over a seven-game stretch, Bynum averaged 23 points and 14 rebounds as he helped carry momentum into the postseason for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bryant is still the best player on the Lakers' roster, but Bynum has become the most important piece of the team. Bryant and Pau Gasol will continue to do damage, but the Lakers are at the top of their game when Bynum is at the top of his. The Lakers have formed the most dangerous front court with Bynum's emergence, and can make a deep run to the NBA Finals if he continues to grow as the Lakers next great center.

4. Paul Pierce

The Boston Celtics rode a high wave of momentum into the postseason as they jumped all the way up to the No. 4 seed of the Eastern conference. However, they currently sit one game down against the Atlanta Hawks, and will be without their star point guard Rajon Rondo in Game 2.

Paul Pierce has been the ultimate life source of the Boston Celtics his entire 13-year career. Even after joining forces with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, along with the emergence of Rondo as a top point guard in the NBA, it has always been Pierce's team.

Playing in this one-game hole against the Hawks, it's vital for Pierce to set the tone and have a big game before heading back to Boston for Games 3 and 4. The Celtics feed off of his energy and leadership, and they'll need Pierce at his best if they want to make another championship run this season.

5. LeBron James

This season has "championship or bust" implications for LeBron James and the Miami Heat.

LeBron is having another LeBron season, playing at an efficient MVP level and terrorizing any defenders who attempt to guard him. But now, his biggest nightmare has arrived and it's time for him to show up and start winning in the postseason.

Playing next to Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh has made life easier for James, but the pressure is as great as it's ever been. James has lead Miami to success without Wade in the lineup, showing that LeBron is the most important member of the Heat.

If Miami wins a ring this season, LeBron James will be the reason why. It's not enough for James to ride the wave of the Miami Heat's success. James must validate himself and silence his demons once-and-for-all by bringing a championship trophy to South Beach.

6. Dirk Nowitzki

The defending champion Dallas Mavericks made it into the postseason with a very little shot at beating the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite being down two games to OKC, the Mavericks have pushed the Thunder each game and have shown no sign of surrendering to defeat.

Dirk Nowitzki was the life source of the Mavericks last year in the NBA Finals, and that must continue if they want to repeat as champions. Dallas lost Game 1 after a miracle heave by Kevin Durant, and lost by three points in Game 2. The Mavericks wound up with losses in each game, but have plenty of reason to feel positive and confident in upsetting the second place Thunder.

Nowitzki is the spark plug that makes Dallas click, and they'll need him playing at the highest level possible. Going back home for Games 3 and 4 will help rejuvenate Nowitzki and the Mavericks. Nowitzki is averaging 28 points in both games against the Thunder, and that must continue throughout the first round. Dallas has a legitimate shot to shock the world and upset OKC, but it must start and finish with strong play from Nowitzki.