NBA Playoffs 2012: Setting Odds for the 5 Series-Trailing Teams to Rally

Five first-round series remain undecided in a postseason with more than its fair share of one-sided match-ups. The Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls all survived elimination in Game 5 victories Tuesday night.

But how much longer can they stave off the inevitable, and are we destined to witness a come-from-behind upset in these playoffs?

It's certainly possible. Few would have imagined the Memphis Grizzlies would be entering Game 5 at a 3-1 deficit. Perhaps Lionel Hollins' team is saving its best for last.

Here are the best-guess predictions for whether teams with their backs against the wall have a shot at turning things around.

Chicago Bulls (Down 3-2)

Joakim Noah wasn't able to make it back for Game 5, but he could make an impact if he can return for Game 6 or a potential Game 7. This series has unquestionably come down to defense with coaches Tom Thibodeau and Doug Collins both content to grind games out at a slower pace.

The Philadelphia 76ers scored just 69 points in their Game 5 loss, so there's really no reason to believe the Bulls can't pull out a couple more wins. Even without Derrick Rose, this team can score enough points to win games in this series but probably this series alone.

Prediction: The 76ers can't underestimate the Bulls, but Chicago is unlikely to last beyond Game 6.

New York Knicks (Down 3-1)

With Iman Shumpert and Baron Davis out for a long time and Jeremy Lin sure to remain sidelined for the rest of the first round, the Knicks don't have a chance in this series. Assuming each guard were healthy, the point guard position may have been one of New York's few advantages over the Miami Heat.

As long as Mike Woodson has Carmelo Anthony in his lineup, the Knicks almost always have a chance to win a game—however slim. And there's always the possibility J.R. Smith will get hot, but no one is counting on that.

Prediction: Don't over-think this one. This series ends Wednesday night (unless Anthony miraculously pushes it to a Game 6).

Atlanta Hawks (Down 3-2)

The Hawks have found a way to gut out some protracted series over the last couple of years, and this one may be no different. In only his second game back after being sidelined since January, Al Horford made a huge impact on both ends of the floor in Atlanta's Game 5.

If the Hawks can steal one game in Boston, they'd play Game 7 back at Philips Arena. The odds of winning both games aren't great, but Atlanta played better in the second half of Game 5 than virtually any other point in the series. If that continues, this is series is still up for grabs.

Prediction: Boston is looking a bit tired, and the momentum is swinging toward the Hawks. Atlanta hasn't played especially well yet, and it may be due for a couple of solid games. In fact, the Hawks may have a better chance of pulling out the series than any other team on this list.

Denver Nuggets (Down 3-2)

Most pundits didn't even think the Nuggets would make it this far, especially on the back of a Game 5 win at the Staples Center. Nevertheless, George Karl's young team is deceptively deep and has plenty of weapons on offense.

If Denver hits its stride at home in Game 6, watch out. There's no question which team would have the momentum if the Nuggets can pull off a second-straight upset. JaVale McGee has become a force in this series, and the Nuggets are winning the battle at point guard with a combination of Ty Lawson and Andre Miller.

The Lakers still have an obvious edge, but it's less of an advantage than you may think.

Prediction: The Nuggets can push this to a Game 7, but the Lakers will settle down and win the big series finale.

Memphis Grizzlies (Down 3-1)

This should have been one of the first round's most competitive series, but the Grizzlies just don't look like themselves. They're certainly good enough to come back in this series, but they're out of sync at the moment.

Of course, nothing could surprise us at this point in a series that's been truly bizarre. Any prediction would be pointless.

Prediction: Pointless or not, chances are Memphis wins at home in Game 5 only to come up short in Game 6.