NBA Playoffs 2012: 3 Teams That Will Get Knocked out in 2nd Round

With the first round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs almost over, a handful of teams have emerged as favorites while others have been squeaking by. 

The expected second-round series between the San Antonio Spurs and either the Memphis Grizzlies or the Los Angeles Clippers is looking like it could become one of the closest of these playoffs. The other three series that will be played have a clear favorite who should move on to the semifinals. 

This is a list of the three teams that I see getting knocked out in the next round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs. 

Los Angeles Lakers

While the Lakers have been impressive in their series against the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City is on roll, and I don't think the Lakers have enough to stop them. The return of Metta World Peace will bolster the Lakers' depth, but not even World Peace has enough defense to stop the Thunder. 

With James Harden exploding offensively in this series, the Thunder have three almost unstoppable scorers. Whether the Thunder's Big Three can keep up the scoring remains to be seen, but I see them making the next round in a  tight series with Los Angeles. 

Prediction: Oklahoma City in six games

Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers were out to prove that they are an elite team at the beginning of the playoffs. Even though they are taking care of the shorthanded Orlando Magic, the Pacers are not on the same level as the Miami Heat. 

Danny Granger vs. LeBron James is going to be a great matchup, but much like Carmelo Anthony, I think LeBron has just too much skill and will overpower his opponent.

The Pacers have proven that they are among the best Eastern Conference teams this year, but unless they can catch fire over these next few weeks, the second round will be the furthest they get in these playoffs. 

Prediction: Miami in five games

Philadelphia 76ers

Talk about a team getting lucky. With serious injuries to both Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah and Luol Deng suffering a hand injury, the Chicago Bulls got hit with the injury bug at the wrong time. The 76ers faded as the season went along and simply got fortunate in the first round.

The Boston Celtics are looking hot as they fend off the Atlanta Hawks, and should be able to get through to the semifinals. 

Avery Bradley should be able to neutralize much of the 76ers' backcourt, while Kevin Garnett will have his hands full with Spencer Hawes. 

Some are predicting a quick series, but I actually see the 76ers playing the Celtics pretty tough. 

Prediction: Boston in six