2012 NBA Playoffs: Top Seeds to Challenge the Dallas Mavericks for the NBA Title

The Dallas Mavericks brought home their first championship in the 2010-2011 NBA season, and Dirk Nowitzki's guys will be back to defend that title with their unique brand of team basketball. 

Can the L.A. Lakers or Boston Celtics come back to challenge? Will Dwight Howard or Kevin Durant find the promised land? Can Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls break through?

Here's a look at who could be the top four seeds in each conference and a pick for the 2011-2012 NBA champion.

No. 4 Seed, Western Conference: Memphis Grizzlies

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MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 29: Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies celebrates during the Grizzlies 99-91 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on April 29, 2011 in Memph

The Grizzlies clawed their way above the .500 mark for the first time since 2005-2006 and rocked the 2011 NBA Playoffs with their upset of the San Antonio Spurs.

The inside game of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, along with the perimeter defense of Shane Battier and Tony Allen, is a threatening combination.

No. 4 Seed, Eastern Conference: Orlando Magic

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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 22: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic against the Atlanta Hawks during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 22, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expres

With Dwight Howard's impending free agency, the window may be closing for the Magic.

But if the three-time Defensive Player of the Year and the game's best big man isn't dealt, they are capable of matching or bettering last year's 52 wins and making noise in the postseason.

No. 3 Seed, Western Conference: L.A. Lakers

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 04: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers moves the ball against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 4, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO

This storied franchise may not keep its familiar perch at the top of the Western Conference.

Kobe is another year older, Pau had a poor playoff and Bynum's health is always a question. Add in Mike Brown trying to fill Phil Jackson's shoes, and the Lakers have assumed the role of underdog.

No. 3 Seed, Eastern Conference: Boston Celtics

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MIAMI, FL - MAY 01: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics looks on during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2011 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on May 1, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expre

Another storied franchise that appears to be on the wane.

The Big Three is growing longer in the tooth, as Rajon Rondo becomes the team's best player. The Shaq experiment is officially over, and Kendrick Perkins is gone, leaving a hole up front.

Doc Rivers is a masterful coach, but he has his work cut out for him.

No. 2 Seed, Western Conference: Dallas Mavericks

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MIAMI, FL - JUNE 12: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates against the Miami Heat in Game Six of the 2011 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena on June 12, 2011 in Miami, Florida. The Mavericks won 105-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ackn

They are the defending champs, but that's far from a guarantee of a top seed.

Dirk will be Dirk, and most of the team should be back, along with coach Rick Carlisle. They may not be the fastest or most athletic squad, but they have found a way to win big games.

No. 2 Seed, Eastern Conference: Chicago Bulls

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CHICAGO, IL - MAY 26: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls reacts against the Miami Heat in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 26, 2011 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ac

Coming off his MVP season, Derrick Rose leads a talented, defense-oriented club back into the fray.

Rose is a year older, and head man Tom Thibodeau has quickly become one of the league's most respected coaches.

No. 1 Seed, Western Conference: Oklahoma City Thunder

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DALLAS, TX - MAY 25: Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder runs back down court while taking on the Dallas Mavericks in the first quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center on Ma

The Thunder racked up 55 wins and reached the conference finals before falling to the eventual champions.

Loaded with young talent and led by All-Stars Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, a very bright future should begin next season.

No. 1 Seed, Eastern Conference: Miami Heat

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MIAMI, FL - JUNE 12: Dwyane Wade #3 (R) and LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat stand on court against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Six of the 2011 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena on June 12, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ackno

After the Finals loss and all of the fallout, the Heat still boast three of the game's best players and went a long way with a nucleus playing together for the first time. Pat Riley will certainly go to work improving the supporting cast, and America's most hated team will be back for another run.

2011-2012 NBA Champions: Miami Heat

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 1: Chris Bosh #1, LeBron James #6 and Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat sit on the bench in the final minutes of a basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on April 1, 2011 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Heat

Happier times should be ahead for the Heat.

Great strides were made in their first season as a team, and the talent is undeniable. Look for Pat Riley to collect another championship.