We're just one round away from an NBA Finals rematch that could carry quite a bit of intrigue.
The Golden State Warriors defeated an injury-depleted Cleveland Cavaliers squad in last year's NBA Finals. But with the Cavs healthy this season, LeBron James and Co. are just four victories away from a possible chance at redemption.
In order for that to happen, however, the Cavs will need to get past the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference Finals, while Stephen Curry and the Warriors will look to overcome the surging Oklahoma City Thunder in the West Finals.
Here's a quick look and a prediction for both series.
Western Conference Finals: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Golden State Warriors
Regular season: Warriors won series 3-0
The Thunder will win if: Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combine for at least 50 points per game and 45 percent shooting from the field; power forward Serge Ibaka continues to shoot lights out (56 percent from the field, 54.1 percent from 3-point range during the playoffs); and center Steven Adams (10.2 points, 9.9 rebounds per game during the postseason) keeps averaging double-doubles.
The Warriors will win if: Stephen Curry doesn’t suffer an injury relapse; the Warriors continue to shoot over 40 percent from 3-point range as a team, something they’ve done in both the regular season and postseason thus far; and Draymond Green (10.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game during the playoffs) keeps crashing the boards and blocking shots.
Prediction: Hardly anyone expected the Thunder to make it past the seasoned San Antonio Spurs in the conference semifinals. Now that they’re here, do they have a chance to shock the NBA world again? Sure, as long as guys other than Durant and Westbrook continue to contribute.
If nothing else: Considering the Warriors and Thunder are No. 1 and 2 in the NBA in points per game, this series should be a ton of fun to watch. Golden State should advance for two simple reasons: Stephen Curry, and home-court advantage. For the sake of full entertainment value, here’s hoping this series goes the distance. Warriors in seven.
Eastern Conference Finals: Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Regular season: Raptors won series 2-1
The Raptors will win if: Point guard Kyle Lowry continues to dominate as he did when he put up 43 points on the Cavs in their last meeting, a 99-97 Toronto victory; guard DeMar DeRozan improves upon his 38.7 percent shooting from the field in the Raptors’ previous series; and center Bismack Bayombo continues to be a disruptive presence on defense.
The Cavaliers will win if: Kyrie Irving continues his ridiculous shooting from 3-point range (53.8 percent during the playoffs); someone outside the Cavs’ big three of Irving, LeBron James and Kevin Love scores in double figures each game; and the Cavs keep even with the Raptors in the rebounding category.
Prediction: No one’s giving the Raptors much of a chance in this series, which is understandable considering the Cavs have yet to lose a game in this year’s playoffs, while the Raptors have been pushed to the limit in each of the first two rounds. But Toronto’s an outstanding defensive unit – its 98.2 points per game allowed during the regular season was the best in the Eastern Conference -- and that makes this a tougher matchup for Cleveland than some might think.
Ultimately, though, the streaking Cavs are on a mission to finish what they started last season, when injuries to Love and Irving cost them a real shot to beat Golden State in the NBA Finals. Expect Cleveland to do enough to get past a flawed but gritty Raptors team and earn another crack at the Warriors. Cavaliers in six.
