NBA Finals Preview

For the first time since 1998 the NBA Finals with not feature Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan or Shaq, and while this is a rematch of the 2006 NBA Finals, many of the players on both teams Shaq included have changed. For a lot of people Dallas reaching the Finals is a huge surprise, this was supposed the be the year the Lakers 3-Peated afterall, there was a huge buzz in the NBA about the Thunder being a team that could knock off the Lakers, with little thought given towards the Mavs, and why would anyone fear the Mavs, since blowing a 2-0 Series lead in the 2006 Finals against the Heat, the Mavs have had nothing but early exits in the playoffs, losing in the 1st or 2nd round every year since. 

And then there is the Miami Heat, they are supposed to be here, anything less than a championship this season would be considered a failure, ever since the "Big 3" came together they have become the team to beat, while earlier in the season the Heat had several rough patches, they've come together in the playoffs, losing just 3 games so far.

So how do the teams stack up against each other, lets look at the positions.

Center: Joel Anthony vs. Tyson Chandler

Neither of these players are huge scorers, but the advantage here has got to go to Tyson Chandler, Chandler is the difference maker in this Dallas team from previous years, his defense, rebounding, and gritty play have turned what many people thought was a "soft" team into a more physical threat, and Chandler's defense is going to be crucial inside to keep Wade and James out of the paint.

Advantage: Dallas

Power Forward: Chris Bosh vs. Dirk Nowitzki

This is the most exciting match-up to look forward to. While much of this year was spent criticizing the play of Chris Bosh, something clicked for him in the post-season, he had a couple of 30 point performances in the Eastern Conference Finals, and got the better of 2 premier Power Forwards all ready in Kevin Garnett and Carlos Boozer, could he make a 3rd in Nowitzki? Nowitzki has been far and away the best player of the playoffs thus far, putting up 40+ points a couple of times in the Western Conference Finals, including bringing his Mavs back from down 15 in Game 4. Neither of these guys defend well or even like to play defense, I think this is going to be an entertaining, high-scoring matchup. Both are premier players at this position.

Advantage: Dallas (slightly)

Small Forward: LeBron James vs. Shawn Marion

The matchup on the other hand isn't even close. Shawn Marion is a pesky defender and can at times be an explosive scorer, but this is LBJ's matchup, James will be able to defend Marion because of his size and strength, and because of his size and strength should be able to score on Marion pretty easy, James has been the Heat's clutch performer thus far, and has found the range from 3 as of late. The only thing Marion has going for him is that he has 6 fouls to use, and the potential psychological advantage, James is going to be on the biggest stage of his life, and could crumble, but I don't think that'll happen.

Advantage: Miami

Shooting Guard: Dwyane Wade vs. DeShawn Stevenson

DeShawn Stevenson is the starting 2 guard in title only, he starts the game merely so Jason Terry can still come off the bench, and if Dallas has any chance of winning this series Terry is going to have to come in the game at about the 10 minute mark of the 1st quarter and play the rest of the half. Stevenson is a solid defender, and occasionally can hit a wide open 3, but this ain't even close Dwayne Wade has this matchup all day, even if you believe that he's been injured this entire playoff run as he claims. We all know what Wade can do, and he should be able to dominate this matchup, even though I have a feeling he'll see more Jason Terry, and late game I'm sure Jason Kidd will be defending him. 

Advantage: Miami

Point Guard: Mike Bibby vs. Jason Kidd

2 crafty veterans, Bibby and Kidd are probably delighted to see each other after their last series' were Bibby was trying to keep up with MVP Derrick Rose, and Kidd was doing the same with Russell Westbrook. Both of these guys are similar type players, both run the offense well, Kidd of course does it better, and James likes to run the show for the Heat, both players can hit from 3, but I think the key is, Kidd is a better defender, and late game as I said before, it won't be surprising to see Kidd on Wade or even James. And after the job Kidd did against Kobe and Durant both players should be a little worried.

Advantage : Dallas

Bench: Jason Terry, J.J. Barea, Brendan Haywood and Peja Stojakovic vs. Udonis Haslem, James Jones, Mike Miller and Mario Chalmers

This one isn't even close, the Mavs bench is just ridiculous, and they've stepped it up in the post season to a whole new level. Haywood's size could present big problems in the paint for James and Wade, if Peja's hot shooting continues he'll be a big problem, Barea seems to be able to get to the cup anytime he wants, and Miami's bigs aren't nearly as talented as the Lakers or Thunders, and then there is former 6th Man of the Year Jason Terry, who's bench play has been spectacular this post season. Miami's bench is not nearly as skilled or deep. Haslem came up big in the last series, but the key off the bench for Miami is James Jones and Mike Miller, they are streaky 3-Point shooters, if they can get hot and stay hot from behind the arch, the bench of Miami could surprise the Mavs.

Advantage: Dallas

In Conclusion:

If you just looked at the match-ups you would assume that this is Dallas' series to lose, and with the talent Dallas has on the bench, at PG, PF, and Center, Dallas has a chance. I think Nowitzki will play his heart out, because he knows this could be his last chance to get back to the Finals. But as many advantages as the Mavs have, they don't have Lebron James and Dwyane Wade, 2 of the best players in the world. If they play up to their potential and don't let the spot-light overwhelm them I like their chances. I think every game will be close and decided in the last couple of minutes, as someone that doesn't like Lebron James and his Heat I'd like to see the Mavs win, but I think the winner will be....

Miami Heat in 5