NBA Playoff Predictions 2012: 4 Favorites Most in Danger of Being Upset

Unlike its collegiate counterpart, the NBA's postseason remains, for the most part, rather predictable. 

Whereas March Madness is a celebration in the futility of seeding, the NBA postseason generally falls in line with what we learned during the first 82 games of the year. The teams that proved themselves during the regular season generally tend to continue that trend, while questionable teams generally fall victim to their weaknesses.

However, this is certainly not always the case. Teams like the 2006 Warriors prove that it's never too late for a squad to find its chemistry, and the right hot streak or breakout player can propel a team from also-ran to contender in a matter of days.

So which favorites will find themselves on the opposite end of a Golden State-style upset?

Boston Celtics

Currently, the Celtics sit in fourth place in the East at 32-24, setting up a possible matchup against the Atlanta Hawks in the first round.

If that happens, the Celtics could find themselves surprised by an explosive—but inconsistent—Hawks team. The Celtics are an older team, for the most part, and the Hawks' advantage in youth and speed could be a deciding factor if the two were to play.

Look for Joe Johnson to be especially dangerous, as the Atlanta guard has been strong since returning from injury midway through the year.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are hoping to erase last year's disgraceful performance in the postseason, but if they are not careful, it could be more of the same.

The Lakers are currently third in the West with a 35-22 record, setting up a potential matchup against the Rockets in Round 1.

Lakers fans should be worried for a number of reasons, the most pressing being their star player's health.  Kobe Bryant's nagging injuries throughout the year could easily continue into the postseason, and if they do, the Lakers' chances could plummet.

Also, the Rockets are not pushovers. They have fared well against tough competition so far this year, and have pulled victories over both the Spurs and the Thunder during the regular season. If the Lakers fail to take them seriously, they could find themselves going home early. 

Oklahoma City Thunder

Although they've had a tremendous season so far, the Thunder are as vulnerable as anyone to a first round upset. 

If the standings stay where they are today, OKC will find itself matched up against the defending champion Dallas Mavericks in a 2-7 matchup. Although the seeding is in OKC's favor, they are a relatively inexperienced playoff team, especially compared to Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks, who have made the postseason every year since 2001. 

If OKC fails to execute properly, especially at home, Nowitzki and the Mavericks could easily surprise coach Scott Brooks and his talented team of youngsters.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers have put together a very strong year thus far, but it could all be for naught come the postseason.

Indiana currently sits in third place in the East with a record of 34-22, and if they were seeded today, would likely play against Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic in the first round.

If this happens, be wary of an Orlando upset. Although he's shown attitude and consistency problems this year, Howard is too explosive and talented to overlook in the postseason, and the Magic could easily re-energize themselves going into the postseason.

If the Magic regain their stroke, the Pacers' inexperience as a high playoff seed could come back to bite them.