NBA Playoffs 2015: Lower Seeds That Can Pull off 1st-Round Upsets

The most magical time of the year for NBA fans is nearly here. Only a few more games separate us from the start of the 2015 NBA playoffs, meaning the pressure is palpable for teams on the cusp of making the postseason.

Nearly every year, one of those franchises ends up shocking the system. Last season, three lower seeds advanced to the second round with the Atlanta Hawks nearly pulling off an improbable upset against the No. 1-seeded Indiana Pacers.

This time around, the Hawks come in as the top seed hoping not to be bounced in the first round. Ironically enough, the Pacers are now slotted as the No. 8 team to get into the East bracket with a healthy Paul George back on the court.

We'll stay away from that No. 8 vs. No. 1 seed upset due to the fact that the final seed still isn't decided. But with the postseason tipping off on Saturday, here's a look at the current lower seeds that can pull off an upset early.

East Team to Watch: Boston Celtics

Crowd around, children, while I tell you the story of the Boston Celtics' history. There once was a time where Boston making a playoff run wouldn't surprise anyone. OK, maybe it wasn't that long ago, but not having the Celtics or Lakers in the postseason last year was shocking.

Now, thanks to a midseason trade and some confidence down the stretch, the Celtics are back. That has a lot to do with recent success behind the play of Isaiah Thomas, who has averaged over 20 points per game this month.

The pint-sized point guard won East Player of the Week last week thanks to his phenomenal play, via NBA Stats:

But wait, if the Celtics go in as the No. 7 seed, that means they play the big, bad Cleveland Cavaliers. There's no way they'll beat them, right? Well, they just accomplished that twice in the last two games with Thomas leading the way.

Along with Thomas, Boston has also gotten the job done with other guards like Avery Bradley and Evan Turner playing their roles well. Inside, Kelly Olynyk and Tyler Zeller have been crucial by averaging over 10 points per game. Zeller would also get to exact some revenge against his former team if Boston plays Cleveland.

One player excited to show his abilities on the big stage is rookie Marcus Smart. The No. 6 pick in the 2014 NBA draft has been a defensive gem for the Celtics and can't wait to prove he belongs in the playoffs.

“It’s a good feeling,” Smart said, via Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, “especially when you know at the beginning of the season we weren’t even talked about being a contender.”

Having a full repertoire of young players looking to prove themselves on this stage, look for Boston to compete for a series win. They may be a year off, but the Celtics will certainly look to thrive in April this season.

West Team to Watch: Dallas Mavericks

At this point, it's difficult to pin any team as a lower seed in the Western Conference. Considering the fact that the Dallas Mavericks are the only team locked into a spot at fifth or worse, they have a good shot at pulling off an upset in the first round.

Considering the cast that the Mavericks still have, they are well-equipped for a late run. Dirk Nowitzki and Tyson Chandler offer the production inside, while Monta Ellis and Rajon Rondo have been versatile players all year.

The only downside for the Mavs heading into the playoffs is the fact that Chandler Parsons is still going through issues with his injured knee, via Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News. However, with the scoring threats it still has all over the court, Dallas can thrive in the playoffs.

Likely going up against the surging San Antonio Spurs, the Mavs will still have their hands full. But thanks to a long history against Tim Duncan and the defending champs, Dallas has a shot to pull off the upset. Keep an eye on the Mavs as they look to make another run if they can take down the Spurs.

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