NBA Playoffs 2012 Predictions: Latest Storylines That Will Shape Road to Finals

The first round of the 2012 postseason hasn't been the most competitive series of contests, but it's still had its fair share of prime-time drama. 

And if you've watched Blake Griffin lately, you've seen better acting than you'll find on any ABC show.

That's not even counting his Kia commercials.

Sure, last night's crucial Game 4 between the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies was a well-fought overtime contest—but the real story was Chris Webber's criticism of Blake Griffin flopping all over the place in these playoffs.

After playing alongside Vlade Divac on the Sacramento Kings, C-Webb knows a thing or two about flopping. He didn't hesitate to share his wisdom with those watching the game, cautioning Griffin about the risk of losing respect.

Of course, Griffin's latest amateur gaffs are merely symptomatic of a broader narrative: Is the All-Star power forward enough of a grown-up to take the Clippers to the Finals?

That's unlikely, and it's not the only storyline that will decide who goes home with the rings this year.

Are Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce Too Old for These 40-Minute Games?

Both Garnett and Pierce have played 40 or more minutes three times each in Boston's series against the Atlanta Hawks. For a couple of guys in their mid-30s, you might expect to see minutes that were also closer to the mid-30s.

So far, both veterans have remained consistent, but it's still only the first round. If the Celtics can breeze through the first couple of rounds with relative ease, it could make a big difference for their senior stars.

Who's the Best in the West?

Three teams make a pretty good case for owning this distinction, and two of them are likely to face off in the second round—those being the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder. The third team happens to have won its last 14 games in a row, including a quick sweep of the Utah Jazz.

The Lakers have the established star power, but Oklahoma City has the best young trio in the NBA. The Spurs, meanwhile, simply have a system that works.

Whereas the East has been all but decided, these Western Conference powerhouses are on an epic collision course.

Will the Heat Beat New York?

Just kidding—we all know this is no longer a question (if it ever was). The real uncertainty is whether the Heat will beat themselves. They have the individual talent to remain unstoppable, but this club is still capable of imploding, however infrequently.

The first-round cakewalk notwithstanding, the Heat could have their hands full with defensive-minded opponents like the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics. If LeBron James and Dwyane Wade find themselves frustrated, they may lose some of their mental edge down the stretch.