NBA Playoffs 2012: Teams That Should Be Worried Moving Forward

As the 2012 NBA playoffs warm up, teams are beginning to show their true colors, whether it be the balanced Indiana Pacers or the dominant Oklahoma City Thunder.

Some teams, however, have failed to distance themselves from the competition and are headed for an early exit out of the postseason.

Here's a look at some teams that are in danger of going home early.

Memphis Grizzlies, First Round

The first four games against the Los Angeles Clippers have not been encouraging for the Grizzlies. The Clippers, who proved inconsistent but explosive during the regular season, have come out ready to play and they have the talent to surprise a lot of teams.

The Clippers have won three games in the series by four points or less and they simply look more in tune than the Grizzlies. The Clippers could just as well resort back to playing inconsistent ball, but I like what I've seen from them thus far. 

Los Angeles Lakers, Second Round

The Lakers may be one of the best teams in the Western Conference, but they will have a hard time defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in their inevitable second-round series.

The Lakers haven't particularly dominated against the Denver Nuggets, despite a clear advantage in the paint, and the Thunder trump them in nearly every important category, including field-goal percentage, point differential and opponents' field-goal percentage.

The Lakers do have an advantage in rebounding, but I don't think it will be enough against the explosive, well-balanced Thunder.  

Indiana Pacers, Second Round

The Pacers will inevitably knock the Orlando Magic out of the playoffs in the first round. The bad news is, they will likely have to face the Miami Heat in the next round.

LeBron James has been unconscious this season, resembling a modern-day Magic Johnson. Dwyane Wade is his usual stellar self and Chris Bosh and the rest of the Heat are doing enough to win a title.

I actually really like the Pacers, but I think they are a year away from seriously contending against teams like the Heat.

Los Angeles Clippers, Second Round

I expect the Clippers to advance past the Grizzlies in the first round. Unfortunately for them, they have to face the San Antonio Spurs in the second round, who just swept the Utah Jazz out of the playoffs.

The Spurs were supposed to be too old to legitimately contend for a title this season, but their veterans have been outstanding and rookie Kawhi Leonard is developing nicely. They are a well-balanced team with a historic coach in Gregg Popovich.

The Clippers need another year before they can topple an experienced, playoff-savvy team like the Spurs.

Follow me on Twitter. We can talk about the 2012 NBA playoffs together.