3 teams that could pull off 1st-round upsets

After a compelling, but long, regular season, the NBA playoffs kick off in just over a week's time.

While the postseason is often criticized for its predictability, every team in the league has looked vulnerable at certain points, making this year's playoffs more intriguing compared to years past.

With that being said, here are three teams capable of pulling off first-round upsets:

Memphis Grizzlies

Zach Randolph is past his prime, and the Grizzlies aren't quite the defensive force of a few years ago, but Memphis could still create problems for any team not accustomed to its grit-and-grind style of play.

While most teams have adopted up-tempo offensive approaches in recent years, the Grizzlies have stuck with their old-school, half-court offense, operating at the third-slowest pace in the league this season. This hasn't led to the most aesthetically-pleasing basketball, but it's a sensible approach for a team not exactly known for its athleticism.

While a general lack of shooting has often plagued Memphis in the past, Marc Gasol's newfound three-point stroke has helped open up the offense in 2016-17, allowing slashers like Mike Conley and Tony Allen to more effectively attack the rim.

Defensively, the Grizzlies have shut down some of the league's elite offensive teams, holding the Warriors, Cavaliers, and Nuggets to under 100 points in hard-fought victories.

If Memphis can find a way to slow down the pace of play, it could create serious problems for a team that is rarely forced to spend the entire shot clock looking for an open shot.

Milwaukee Bucks

If there's one thing the Milwaukee Bucks have more of than any other team in the league, it's length.

Led by 6-foot-11 point forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks own one of the most wiry and versatile rosters in the Association, making them a difficult matchup for virtually anyone.

With Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, John Henson, and Thon Maker, Milwaukee has a bevy of players who can cover multiple positions, creating mismatches on both ends of the floor. That versatility has caused problems for many of the East's elite squads, with the Cavaliers, Raptors, Celtics, and Wizards all losing once to the Bucks this season.

While the loss of Jabari Parker has robbed Milwaukee of much of its scoring punch, the Bucks have managed to go 18-9 without the former No. 2 pick, and could survive offensively if the Greek Freak and Middleton have big series.

Oklahoma City Thunder

OKC's depth remains a cause for concern, but that may not matter if Russell Westbrook's dominant run continues into the postseason.

Triple-doubles alone won't win the Thunder a series, but the team with the best player usually wins in the playoffs, and the All-NBA guard has shown time and again how unstoppable he can be.

Of course, if Westbrook starts off hot, he'll likely see no shortage of double-teams, forcing the ball into the hands of some of his lesser teammates.

Doug McDermott, Alex Abrines, and Victor Oladipo are all capable 3-point shooters and could become huge factors in a series, especially with fellow wing Andre Roberson not a threat from beyond the arc.

While he hasn't been nearly as effective this season, Steven Adams' post defense played a huge part in the Thunder's playoff run last year, and could be a difference-maker once again.

Oklahoma City will likely need to catch its fair share of breaks to move past the first round and capture its first series win in the post-Kevin Durant era.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)