NBA Playoffs 2012 Predictions: Teams Guaranteed to Survive First-Round Tests

After a chaotic regular season that has seen teams play ridiculous schedules, the playoffs should restore a sense of normalcy to the NBA. Several squads have separated themselves from the pack and therefore enter the postseason with title hopes.

Let's take a look at three teams that are locks to advance to the second round. Notably absent are the Miami Heat. The team's lack of depth shouldn't be overlooked.

Chicago Bulls

The league's best defensive team, Chicago doesn't play the most exciting brand of basketball, but that's not required to win an NBA title. Despite several key players missing time throughout the season due to injury, the Bulls have just kept on winning.

Derrick Rose will actually benefit from all of the games he spent on the sidelines, as it should make him the freshest superstar in the playoffs. He's one of the league's most dynamic players, so hopefully he's not forced to miss any more time.

Even if he does, the Bulls should have enough firepower to survive Round 1. They have a total of 10 players averaging seven points per game or more, and when Rose is out, it seems like somebody else always steps up to carry the load.

San Antonio Spurs

There are still plenty of skeptics when it comes to the Spurs because of their reliance on aging players, but that's exactly how Tim Duncan and Co. like it. They play better whenever people count them out since they are out to prove something.

San Antonio made several underrated moves to bolster their roster for a playoff run. Adding players like Stephen Jackson and Patty Mills didn't turn many heads, but they will pay off in the long run. As will the emergence of Danny Green.

Gregg Popovich played it safe with his trio of stars throughout the season, so they should have pretty fresh legs for the playoffs. Even though Oklahoma City's youth has turned heads, the Spurs should be considered the Western Conference favorites.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Speaking of the Thunder, they should also ease through their first-round matchup. It's still unclear how long James Harden will be out after receiving an elbow to the head from Metta World Peace, but the Thunder have enough depth to fill the void.

Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are a nightmare duo for any opponent, especially since either one of them can completely take over a game at any given time. They are averaging more than 51 points per game alone.

Another player to watch is Serge Ibaka. He doesn't have the offensive abilities of Westbrook and Durant, but his ability to dominate on defense provides solid balance to the Thunder.

A showdown with the Spurs seems likely.