The Brooklyn Nets Playoff picture

After a season of ups and downs, the Brooklyn Nets are heading to what once was thought of as an improbable postseason appearance. The Nets, who began the season with a 10-21 record, are all but locked in at the fifth seed in the Eastern conference with three games left in the regular season. Jason Kidd has rested his starters the last two games and the Nets seem to be content with beginning the first round of the postseason on the road. The only question is, who will the Brooklyn Nets face in the opening round of the playoffs?

Currently, the Chicago Bulls have a one game lead over the Toronto Raptors for the third seed in the East and a tie would give the Raptors the lead. This means that if the playoffs were to begin today, the Nets would face the Raptors in round one. Toronto, who has not lost contention for the third seed, has three games remaining in their schedule and play against the Pistons, Bucks at home and Knicks. The Nets finished the regular season going 2-2 against this season's Atlantic Division champions and could benefit from a playoff match up with their young division rivals. The Raptors are undoubtedly athletic but lack the postseason experience necessary to make a serious run in the playoffs.

Last season, the Nets faced the Chicago Bulls in the first round and eventually lost the series in seven games. The Bulls are coached by Tom Thibodeau and the Bulls exposed the Nets of a multitude of issues but none greater than their lack of toughness and grit. Frankly, it's fair to conclude that the acquisition of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett this offseason was inspired by last season's disappointing performance in the playoffs to some extent. The general make up of this Chicago team has essentially stayed intact and could cause problems once again for Brooklyn, especially without home court advantage unlike last season. The Bulls are currently on a seven-game win streak and have games against the Knicks, Magic and Bobcats left. The Nets came away from the regular season with a 1-2 record against the Bulls.

A first-round meeting with the Toronto Raptors could prove to be a favorable matchup for the Brooklyn Nets. Both teams, but especially the Bulls, will put the Nets' experience and mental toughness to the test on the road. All in all, the Brooklyn Nets today have undergone a serious change in identity and have proven that they will be ready to make things interesting this postseason regardless of the opponent.

Follow @NetsTakeOver