The regular season might have been shortened, but the 2012 NBA playoffs will be as good as ever.

Despite the expectation that the Eastern Conference is a two-team race, there are a number of teams that could turn some heads in the first round and beyond.

No. 1 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 8 Philadelphia 76ers

The biggest question mark in the entire NBA playoffs is the health of Derrick Rose. With him at full strength, the Bulls can win the championship. Without him, the opening round could get scary.

Both teams play excellent defense, and the series could be decided by a couple of breaks either way.

The difference is that the Bulls have players they can count on to take over when things get tough; the 76ers do not.

Prediction: Bulls win in six

No. 2 Miami Heat vs. No. 7 New York Knicks

The Knicks have had an up-and-down season, but they are finally moving in the right direction, as they enter the playoffs winning 18 of their last 24 games.

However, Miami plays a much tougher defense and has too much talent to falter in the first round.

LeBron James and company know that the regular season is meaningless without playoff success, so, for once, the focus is going to be in the right place as they fight towards a championship.

Prediction: Heat win in five

No. 3 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 6 Orlando Magic

Orlando has struggled with their best player, Dwight Howard, on the sidelines. The team is probably happy to lose the drama, but at the end of the day, this is a much worse team now than it was a month ago.

The Pacers have surprised most with an outstanding season, but they are not finished. Indiana is a very deep team, with scorers at every position and quality players that contribute off the bench. If things slow down or the team needs a basket late, they can count on Danny Granger stepping up.

This is too complete of a team to lose to a Magic roster that seems to have given up.

Prediction: Pacers win in four

No. 4 Boston Celtics vs. No. 5 Atlanta Hawks

The Celtics have made it through the grueling regular season, and it is finally time for the experience to be a good thing. Unfortunately, Boston might not have enough left in the tank to survive a seven-game series.

Atlanta is younger and has more athleticism, and it will be tough for players like Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to stick with the Hawks. 

The rebounding battle will be key, and the Celtics do not have enough size up front to come out with the victory.

Prediction: Hawks win in six