NBA Playoffs 2012: 4 Bench Players Who Will Step Up on Friday

Any playoff team knows it can't survive without contributions from role players and the bench. 

Early on in the 2012 NBA playoffs, several benchwarmers have stepped up big time for their respective teams, adding a spark on the second unit.

Here's a look at four surging bench players who will give their respective teams a lift on Friday.

4. Jordan Hill, PF/C, Los Angeles Lakers

The No. 8 overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft, Jordan Hill has shown flashes of realizing his potential backing up Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum this season. He's notched 10 rebounds in each of the Lakers' two playoff games against the Denver Nuggets, and he's proved to be an effective shot-blocker, as well. He's not the most efficient scorer, but he crashes the glass and disrupts defensively.

3. Avery Bradley, G, Boston Celtics

The No. 19 overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft, Avery Bradley was huge for the Celtics against the Atlanta Hawks in Game 2, while Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo missed time. He scored 14 points and played pesky defense, notching three steals and three blocks. 

2. John Lucas, PG, Chicago Bulls

John Lucas showed his worth off the bench on March 14 against the Miami Heat, scoring 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting. With Derrick Rose out in Game 2, he showed his worth again, scoring 15 points off the bench on 7-of-12 shooting. He's completely fearless. 

1. Lou Williams, G, Philadelphia 76ers

It almost doesn't seem right to call Lou Williams a bench player. If the 76ers didn't have Jrue Holiday, he would be a solid starter for them. He averaged 14.9 points off the bench for the 76ers this season, shooting 36 percent from long range. He came up big for them in Game 2 against the Bulls, racking up 20 points and six assists in their 109-92 triumph.

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