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The NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors won't lack star power. TSN's NBA analyst Jack Armstrong previews the matchups for each starting position as well as the duel between the benches and coaches. Armstrong also gives his final prediction for one of the most anticipated matchups in recent NBA Finals history.

 

 

 

POINT GUARD

Kyrie Irving vs. Stephen Curry

It's a shame that Irving isn't 100 per cent. This would have had the makings of a wonderful matchup.  Still think it will be very good one to watch.  Irving is a brilliant creator and has matured beautifully as an overall player this year.  Curry is the heart and soul of his team and provides brilliant shot making and play making ability. I give him the upper hand here since he's playing the best ball of his career.  EDGE: Curry

Stephen Curry
Postseason Stats - 15 GP, 29.2 PPG, 6.4 APG, 4.9 RPG

 

SHOOTING GUARD 

Iman Shumpert vs. Klay Thompson

Shumpert is an athletic defensive presence who competes hard and has great energy and toughness. His offence comes and goes but he seems to find a way to make the big plays when you need him.  Thompson is a terrific two way player who is a big time shooter/shot maker and can guard really well on the perimeter. He is a young man who has nice polish to his game and meshes well with Curry in the back court.  I like Thompson's overall game here. EDGE: Thompson

Klay Thompson
Postseason Stats - 15 GP, 19.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.9 APG

 

SMALL FORWARD

LeBron James vs. Harrison Barnes

James is the best overall player on the planet and has shown me above and beyond his awesome talents and improved ability to lead and challenge his team to greater heights with the force/will of his personality.  He used to just carry you with his world class ability--now he's grown into a much tougher and determined competitor.  Barnes is an emerging player with good size and sound defensive fundamentals who can shoot and score effectively. Solid young player who fits their style of play. Overall, in the end-no contest here.  James is the King and will have to be for his team to have a legit chance to win.  EDGE: James                              

LeBron James' full-court shot at TD Garden surfaces on Twitter Article Image 0
Postseason Stats: 14 GP, 27.6 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 8.3 APG  

 

POWER FORWARD

Tristain Thompson vs. Draymond Green

Love both of these guys. I would be thrilled to see either one in a Raptors jersey if that could ever be pulled off.  Thompson has filled in beautifully for the injured Kevin Love. He has provided better defence than Love gives you and has been a beast on the boards. He gives the Cavs extra possessions and grit on the interior, but is an improving player.  Green is a stat stuffer and I love his versatility and smarts. He is a tough hombre.  Green is an outstanding complimentary piece who can hurt you on some many fronts. A winner.  This is a tough choice but I'll give a slight edge to Green because he does more. EDGE: Green

Draymond Green
Postseason Stats: 15GP, 14 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 5.3 APG

 

CENTRE

Timofey Mozgov vs. Andrew Bogut

Mozgov was a smart pickup by GM David Griffin. He brings size, shot blocking, rebounding and a guy who runs the floor well. He needs to play really well in this series for the Cavs to win.  Bogut is a nasty competitor who can pass the ball and is very skilled in every respect. At times though, the Warriors seem to function better when they go small and play a bit quicker. At the end of the day if this matchup exists for some stretches during the series I give a very slight edge to Mozgov because of the urgency needed from him at that spot which will bring out his best. EDGE: Mozgov

Timofey Mozgov
Postseason Stats: 14 GP, 9.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 0.5 APG

THE BENCHES

 

Cavaliers:

JR Smith has been top-notch for the Cavs. Matthew Dellavedova is a feisty guy who can hurt you if you don't respect him and he makes every hustle play.  James Jones can crush you if you leave him open for threes and you can't do that.            

 

Warriors: 

Depth galore here. Wing players like Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston and Leandro Barbosa fit the up tempo personality of this squad like a glove.  The bigs - Festus Ezeli, Mareese Speights (if healthy) and David Lee are solid who don't hurt you when called upon. They know and accept their roles and are steady.  This is a tough choice. JR Smith is the best reserve in the series yet when you look at strength in numbers I go with the Warriors. You can load up your starters in a series and not expose your bench as much--that's why I only give a slight edge to Golden State but they still get it. EDGE: Warriors

Andre Iguodala

 

THE COACHES

David Blatt vs. Steve Kerr

For his first time as an NBA coach, Blatt has done a very good job and he's no dummy--he gives lots of leeway to his star in James to be very vocal and provide leadership and direction. Kerr is a major upgrade on Mark Jackson. He has made all the tough calls with playing time and has gotten complete buy-in from his squad. He's more polished for this stage and seems more connected to the heartbeat of what his team is about. I like him here. EDGE: Kerr

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr coming through for his team in the playoffs again Article Image 0

 

THE WINNER 

It should be a fun series with a fast pace and high degree of perimeter skill. I just think the Warriors are the best team in the NBA and had to work their way through the tougher conference to get here and are more tested and prepared as a team to be here. LeBron James is going to have to play out of his mind (which is quite possible) to win this and create lots of matchup and foul problems for Golden State. Every series over time finds its level and personality/direction and after both of these squads throw their punches and then counterpunches and adjustments are made I just think that the Warriors are the better overall team and I always side with the sounder group. The Pick: Warriors in six   

Warriors Celebrate