NBA Playoffs Predictions 2012: Paul Pierce and Stars Who Will Wear Down

Paul Pierce may have more left in the tank than most 34-year-olds, but the Boston Celtics are also calling on him to play big minutes in the postseason. He averaged over 44 minutes through the first three games against the Atlanta Hawks before finally getting some rest in a Game 4 blowout.

It's hard to tell how much effect the minutes are having on Pierce. After scoring 36 points in 44 minutes during Game 2, Pierce shot just 3-for-12 in 47 minutes of Game 3 action.

Of course, there's no way to know how much of that down game can be attributed to fatigue. If it becomes a pattern, though, it might have a little something to do with the taxing grind of these series.

Of course, Pierce isn't alone. Here are some other high-profile players at risk of running out of gas or otherwise suffering from the harsh playoff climate.

Kobe Bryant

Kobe has been playing big minutes in this first-round series, averaging over 39 in his first four games against the Nuggets. Of course, he's been playing those kind of minutes all season long and hasn't shown many signs of slowing down.

That could change for the 33-year-old—he's had to run a bit against the young Denver Nuggets, and the Thunder could be just as tiring.

Kevin Garnett

At 35, Garnett is way past playing like an MVP, but that doesn't mean he's done. He's already played 40-or-more minutes three times against the Atlanta Hawks, and he's been an absolute beast on the glass. It's hard to imagine that continuing after a couple of long series, but Garnett would love nothing more than to prove his doubters wrong.

Dwyane Wade

Wade isn't an old man by any means, but wear and tear always seems to take its toll on his body. He missed 17 games this season due to a variety of minor ailments, and those little bumps and bruises could derail him a bit in the postseason.

Manu Ginobili

Ginobili has had to start watching his minutes now that he's 34, but injury has been a much greater threat than age. He missed 32 games this season, but he appears to be healthy at the moment. The San Antonio Spurs will try to keep it that way, using him only on an as-needed basis down the postseason stretch.