NBA Playoff Predictions 2011: 5 Midseason Moves That Will Decide the Playoffs

Midseason moves are typically made with the playoffs in mind. 

The theory is that tweaking the lineup by one or two players can be the difference between just making the playoffs and playing for the Larry O'Brien trophy in June.  Sometimes they work, and sometimes they backfire, but in either case, it comes down to whether the traded player can fill a void or a need the new team has. 

Here are five players that will dramatically affect their team's chances of winning an NBA title.

Mike Bibby

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 1: Mike Bibby #0 of Miami Heat drives to the basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of a basketball game at Target Center on April 1, 2011 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledge

If Mike Bibby has anything left in the tank, he will be a huge asset for the Miami Heat in the playoffs. 

The Heat will look for him more for timely jumpers than anything else.  If Bibby can keep his man honest and make the opposing team's point guard pay for double-teaming Lebron or D-Wade, he is just what the doctor ordered.  Otherwise, he a defensive liability but no worse than the other alternatives the Heat have.

Gilbert Arenas

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PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 13: Gilbert Arenas #1 of the Orlando Magic during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on March 13, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or usin

Orlando Magic GM Otis Smith thought he could parlay his long-standing relationship with Gilbert Arenas into production on the court. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Since his arrival, Gilbert Arenas has averaged a mere 10 points a game and looks completely disinterested.  This trade has backfired so badly, the Magic wish they still had Rashard Lewis.  His ineffective play will cost the Magic a chance to play for the conference finals.

Carmelo Anthony

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DALLAS, TX - MARCH 10: Forward Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks at American Airlines Center on March 10, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is cons

George Karl should have waited until the playoffs started before deciding if the Nuggets were a better team without the league's third-highest scorer. 

Lets see what Arron Afflalo, Wilson Chandler and Ty Lawson can accomplish in his absence.  On the flipside, the New York Knicks have become relevant again and have a puncher's chance against anyone.  The subtraction of Melo hurts Denver more than his addition helps New York.

Gerald Wallace

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MIAMI, FL - MARCH 08: Gerald Wallace #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives by LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat during a game at American Airlines Arena on March 8, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by d

Gerald Wallace gives the Trailblazers a toughness they didn't have before his arrival.  In addition, he does all the little things that don't show up on the stat sheet. 

Hustling for loose balls, keeping the ball alive on the offensive glass and altering shots will give Portland those extra possessions they will need to get past Dallas.  They won't beat the Lakers in the second round, but they will scare the hell out of them.

Kendrick Perkins

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PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 30: Kendrick Perkins #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on March 30, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Thunder defeated the Suns 116-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly

The Kendrick Perkins Trade signaled the end of a dynasty in Boston and the rise of another in Oklahoma City.  Without Kendrick in the middle Boston has lost their defensive presence which was the foundation of their success. 

Now, the Thunder have a dominant frontline in Perkins, Ibaka and Durant with everyone playing their natural position.  The Perkins trade has two franchises going in opposite directions.