NBA Power Rankings: Playoff Series Most Likely Headed to a Game 7

Wow. What a night it's been in NBA playoff land. In three Game 5's, the teams on the brink of elimination prevailed and will now look to keep their postseason hopes alive in Game 6.

Take the Denver Nuggets, for example. They went into a packed Staples Center down 3-1, and pulled off the upset in an absolute dogfight of a game to extend the series. 

The same can be said for the Atlanta Hawks, who managed a must-win at home and have just the momentum they need to enter Game 6 in Boston.

My main point is that there's a lot of first-round basketball left to be played, and in the following series, Game 7 could definitely happen. 

4. New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat

When the Knicks won Game 4, it was their first postseason victory since 2001. Adding onto that excitement was the fact that Amar'e Stoudemire returned to the lineup and was a key producer despite playing with an injured hand.

In turning the game into a defensive battle and essentially shutting down both LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, New York was able to pull through despite losing point guard Baron Davis to a possibly career-ending injury and enters Game 5 with a ton of positive momentum.

The Knicks can certainly win in Miami, but it won't be easy. Jeremy Lin isn't ready to return, so the next option at point guard is Mike Bibby, who is little more than a three-point threat at this point in his career. Still, Knicks coach Mike Woodson had Bibby as his point guard in Atlanta, and if there's anyone who can get the best out of the veteran, it's him.

That said, the Knicks will ride the momentum from Game 4 into Game 5, and take that game before winning again at home to set the stage for a pivotal Game 7.

3. Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The top-seeded Bulls have quite the uphill battle if they are going to reach Game 7, particularly with Derrick Rose out for the rest of the playoffs and Joakim Noah's status in question for Game 6. Still, considering how great their defense looked in Game 5, I'm picking Tom Thibodeau's boys to win in Philadelphia.

While the Sixers are a talented squad defined by teamwork, they don't have a star who can step up in crunch time. If they did, they would have been able to take Game 5. Instead, the Bulls defense held both Andre Iguodala and Jrue Holiday to a combined 9-of-36 shooting. Considering how those two are the de facto stars of the squad, those numbers are just plain unacceptable.

The Bulls will build on the Philly's lack of experience and leadership and use their competitive fire to leave Game 6 with the series all tied up, 3-3.

2. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets

Tonight was a must-win for the Nuggets, and they answered the bell in epic fashion. JaVale McGee finally became an aggressive force on both sides of the floor, and veteran Andre Miller turned in a clutch performance as well. It wasn't easy, but Denver was able to win on the road.

The Nuggets now get to play Game 6 at home, where they have already won a game this series. With the hometown crowd behind them, I predict that they will handily win before heading back to Los Angeles for the deciding game.

1. Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics

Game 5 of this series showed just how dangerous the Hawks can be when all of their contributors are active. The game was won by just a point, but it was in Atlanta, and the Hawks rode the momentum from Josh Smith's return and Al Horford's second game back from a torn pectoral muscle to a decisive victory.

Game 6 is in Boston, but let's not forget that the Celtics and Hawks have been down this road before. They went to a Game 7 in the 2008 postseason, and Boston won the deciding game and eventually an NBA championship. This time, it could be Atlanta's time to turn the tables.

With all of the starters back in the lineup, I like their odds.