NBA Playoffs 2012: Debating Shaky Miami Heat, Invincible San Antonio Spurs

Sure, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade combined for 70 points, with James having one of his all-time great games. But can the Heat count on somebody like Udonis Haslem to step up every single game as the third wheel?

Can they survive if somebody doesn't?

In this episode of Basketball by Association, Ethan Norof and Joel C. Cordes debate whether the Miami Heat are back in business after a Game 4 win over the Indiana Pacers.

Listen to the episode here:

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Basketball by Association is a brand new podcast series and your courtside seat for all things NBA on Bleacher Report.

Also on tap: Are the Boston Celtics really in trouble against the Philadelphia 76ers, and is it better for basketball if Boston wins the series?

Did the Celtics fall into their bad habit of hitting "cruise control" in the second half of their recent loss to Philly, or are the Sixers to be taken for real?

Are the Los Angeles Lakers dead in the water after a gut-wrenching Game 4 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder?

If the Thunder are able to beat L.A., they'll have exorcised their playoff demons decisively against the Dallas Mavericks and the Lakers in one fell swoop. This extremely talented core is both young AND playoff battle tested.

But are they good enough to win the West?

Finally, are the San Antonio Spurs really the best team in the 2012 NBA playoffs, and where do the Los Angeles Clippers go from here?