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Point Guard Matchup: Russell Westbrook & Mario Chalmers
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Heat: Mario Chalmers
Chalmers has had some big moments for the Heat this postseason. In my opinion, they wouldn't be in the Finals without him. His ability to drive to the basket means he can't be neglected defensively. Chalmers does seem to get under LeBron's skin at times, so their camaraderie is something to keep an eye on.
Thunder: Russell Westbrook
Westbrook is ultra athletic and as volatile a scorer as point guards come. He has become more of an efficient shooter this season and even more so in the playoffs, where he is shooting 43.6% from the field and averaging 21.7 points per game. Westbrook's ability to attack the rim is noteworthy as well.
Advantage: Thunder
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Shooting Guard Matchup: Thabo Sefolosha & Dwyane Wade
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Heat: Dwyane Wade
When Wade is at his best, he is among the most dangerous guards in the league. However, he has been wildly inconsistent this postseason. Wade is still averaging 22.9 points per game, but has disappointed at times, especially down the stretch. I think the Heat would be even happier with consistency from their star.
Thunder: Thabo Sefolosha
Sefolosha is considered to be one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. His athletic 6-7 frame allows him to matchup with the other team's best player. Not known for his offensive game, he can make the open three on occasion. He has made 36.8% from behind the arc in the playoffs.
Advantage: Heat
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Small Forward Matchup: Kevin Durant & LeBron James
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Heat: LeBron James
LeBron has proved himself so far in the playoffs. His performance in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals was a series-changer. In the postseason, James is averaging 30.8 points per game, 9.6 rebounds per game, and 5.1 assists per game. Needless to say, there is a reason he won league MVP this season.
Thunder: Kevin Durant
Durant's 28.0 points per game during the regular season earned him his third consecutive scoring title. He is a supreme athlete and has the dual package ability of being able to effortlessly attack the rim and drain most any jumper. No player means more to his team's success than Durant.
Advantage: None
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Power Forward Matchup: Chris Bosh & Serge Ibaka
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Heat: Chris Bosh
Without Bosh in the lineup, the Celtics were able worry less about the Heat big men and were free to double up Wade or James. However, Bosh appears to be healthy, especially after his performance in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals (19 points and 8 rebounds). If Bosh is truly healthy, I expect him to return to the starting lineup for the Heat and to play a significant role in the post in the series.
Thunder: Serge Ibaka
Ibaka led the NBA in blocks this season averaging 3.65 per game. Due to his emergence as a top shot-blocker and post defender, he finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. Ibaka burst onto the national scene with his breakout performance in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals (26 points on 11-11 shooting from the field.). He is still a young, developing player and will continue to flourish and improve.
Advantage: Heat (if Bosh is healthy)
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Center Matchup: Udonis Haslem & Kendrick Perkins
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Heat: Udonis Haslem
Haslem's ability to crash the boards is what the Heat love about him. He had a couple big games in that department against the Celtics, but he also had some where he didn't seem to show up. The Heat need Haslem to step up and take control of the glass in a big way.
Thunder: Kendrick Perkins
Bringing championship experience, Perkins is a hardworking post presence who is a solid rebounder and defender. He did have a breakout game against the Heat during the regular season (16 points). Perkins' emotional nature will look to help propel the Thunder to victory.
Advantage: None
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Bench Matchup: James Harden & Shane Battier
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Heat Bench
If he doesn't start, Shane Battier will be the Heat's top man off the bench. In their Game 7 win over the Celtics, he nailed four threes. Battier will be crucial to the success of the Heat. Mike Miller has battled injuries the whole playoffs, but will continue to play through them. Rookie Norris Cole and big man Ronny Turiaf provide energy off the bench. Joel Anthony is another big man who will see some minutes.
Thunder Bench
James Harden, this season's Sixth Man of the Year, is the energizer off the bench. He is averaging 17.6 points per game in the playoffs. Harden is the Thunder's third best player. He just happens to prefer to come off the bench. Derek Fisher brings a veteran presence at guard. Daequan Cook will also get some minutes at the guard positions. Nazr Mohammad and Nick Collison are important post players off the bench.
Advantage: Thunder
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Coaching Matchup: Scott Brooks & Erik Spoelstra
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Heat: Erik Spoelstra
As a head coach in the NBA, Spoelstra feels the heat of pressure more then most. Expectations are high for this team. If something goes awry, Spoelstra is usually the first to get blamed. He got outcoached in last year's NBA Finals and can't afford to let that happen again.
Thunder: Scott Brooks
Brooks is one of the NBA's best young coaches. He has a 156-80 record, despite coaching one of the league's youngest teams. Brooks was also named coach of the year in 2009-10. His decision to have Sefolosha switch and guard Tony Parker in the Western Conference Finals helped turn around that series for the Thunder.
Advantage: Thunder
Prediction
These teams matchup quite nicely. Durant and LeBron are probably the two best players in the NBA right now. Durant is the best scorer in the league, while LeBron is the best all-around player. The matchup between Wade and Westbrook should be intriguing as well. Both guards are explosive and have the ability to completely change the series outcome. I had a difficult time deciding who to pick to win the series, but nevertheless, I believe I have come to my conclusion. In my opinion, the Thunder have been the more consistent and complete team thus far in the postseason and will continue to be. I think Scott Brooks will make the necessary adjustments defensively to slow down the Heat offensively. Additionally, I predict that Westbrook will give the Heat trouble much the way Rondo did for the Celtics in the previous round. I believe the difference in the series will be the play of James Harden. He isn't the best player on the floor, but he has the ability to come up with the big play. My guess is that he will have several in the series. The Thunder will do enough to complete the task set before them and will win the NBA Title.
My prediction: Thunder in seven games.
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