2012 NBA Playoffs: 3 Reasons Why the 76ers Can Make the Conference Finals

Chicago was expected to roll over Philadelphia when they had a 12-point lead late in Game 1. Then, Derrick Rose got hurt, and the series changed. But what also changed was the way people viewed the 76ers.

In Game 2, Philadelphia showed their true colors. Trailing 55-47 at the start of the third quarter, the Sixers went on a scoring rampage. They scored 36 points, including 14 fastbreak points and 14 points in the paint.

The Bulls played lazy and seemed to give up and feel sorry for themselves once the 76ers started clicking and making shots. Because of that, the Sixers got a large amount of fastbreak opportunities, and they capitalized on them. Philadelphia is fired up, and they're ready to show the world what they can do.

Here are three reasons why the Sixers can make the Eastern Conference Finals.

Weak Opponents and Matchup Advantages

Like I said, the road looked tough for the 76ers. I expected Philadelphia to get swept by the Bulls, but then I saw them play without Rose. 

Now, after watching Boston and Atlanta play two games, I truly believe Philadelphia will make the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Celtics shot badly and let Atlanta take open jumpers early, which led to a 15-point Hawks first quarter lead. The Hawks shot terribly, but they held on to win Game 1. In Game 2, Boston prevailed in another low-scoring game.

Both teams have shot poorly, and while Atlanta has young talent, the Celtics are aging. Against an energetic 76ers team, they will have problems. The 76ers can score on fastbreaks, and they know how to get runs going. 

Rajon Rondo would keep Jrue Holiday busy, but Rondo isn't a great shooter, so Holiday wouldn't have to pressure him behind the three-point line to stop him from taking a three. Even with Holiday not at full-speed, he could find Evan Turner, Andre Iguodala, Lou Williams or any one of the other shooters on Philadelphia.

Boston let Atlanta shoot, so they'll probably do the same to the Sixers. Philadelphia can build up a lead with good shooting, and when the Celtics wear down, the young 76ers will take advantage and score on fastbreaks.

If the Hawks upset the Celtics, they'd have a tough task on their hands. They let Boston get a lot of shots in games 1 and 2, but Boston missed a lot of them. However, Philly would take advantage. Atlanta has looked weak so far, and if they're having trouble with Boston's 35-year-olds, they'll have trouble with Philly, who will run in circles around them all game.

The Eastern Conference brings very favorable matchups for the 76ers, and they will take advantage.

Athleticism

Philadelphia doesn't have a superstar, but they do have athletic players that can stay on top of their game for 48 minutes. 

Chicago is probably the best hustle team in the NBA, but in the third quarter of Game 2, they simply ran out of energy and stopped trying. They dominated every category of the game, and they were able to get the shots they wanted whenever they wanted.

The 76ers showed a new level of athleticism that had been concealed during the regular season. They were diving for loose balls, staying on their man, fighting for rebounds, and sprinting up-court in case of a fastbreak.

Against a Bulls team missing their leader and apparently feeling sorry for themselves, that athleticism will be key.

With the home crowd on their side, winning will be that much easier. When they start clicking, the crowd won't be dead silent like it was in Chicago. Everyone will be upbeat and jumping around, cheering for the 76ers.

And the 76ers will respond by running in circles around the Bulls, and whoever they may face in the second round.

Depth and All-Around Talent

At first glance, when you look at the 76ers, you don't see a superstar and you probably don't see much depth. But after watching these guys play, you'll see that they do have depth and all-around talent.

Just about any starter or second-stringer at any position can start and make a positive impact. Lou Williams and Thaddeus Young are good shooters, and they can dominate as the sixth and seventh men off the bench.

Spencer Hawes can block shots, rebound and score in the paint, and when Lavoy Allen isn't hoarding the boards, he can get in on the action down low and shut down big men. Jodie Meeks is a good shooter, especially from the charity stripe, where he shoots approximately 91 percent.

The starting five doesn't have superstars like I said, but they do have guys who can certainly ball. Andre Iguodala can shoot and play good D, Evan Turner can shoot and drive very well, Jrue Holiday can guard the best guards, shoot and drive the lane, and Lavoy Allen can rebound and score down low.

Oh, and Elton Brand can shoot, rebound, block shots and score in the paint as well.

Boston, Atlanta and Chicago don't have much depth, so when their starters tire, the bench will come on, and Philadelphia can overpower them. If the Sixers can keep the opponents' defense on their feet by running around, driving and passing the ball around, the starters will tire out, the bench will come in and Philly will dominate.

Depth and all-around talent is key, because everyone has a role, and everyone who plays is trusted to succeed. At this time, that will be key in Philadelphia's playoff run, which will take them to the Eastern Conference Finals to face Miami (probably).