Fifteen proven NBA players to fit into 12 playoff roster spots.

Those are the numbers coach/general manager Don Nelson has been contemplating since late February, when he acquired four players from Denver in the Mavericks' now-annual blockbuster. Much as Nelson prefers not coaching rookies, it hasn't been easy settling on a dozen to bring to the postseason.

As a result, Nelson has been reluctant to discuss the process until he has to. His selections are due at 2 p.m. on April 18, two days before the playoffs start.

Here's a breakdown of the four groups Nelson is choosing from, with the caveat that injuries during the last 12 days of the regular season would naturally change things.