The Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors are set to square off in what should be one of the most epic NBA Finals in recent memory. Here's our list of 10 bold predictions for the series:
1) LeBron’s Gonna LeBron
If you thought James was determined during the Miami Heat’s championship runs, just wait to see how hard he'll work to bring the city of Cleveland their first major sports championship since 1964.
2) Stephen Curry will provide two more “Holy #$@(!!!!” moments
Curry drained the corner three to force overtime agains the Pelicans and the 3/4 court buzzer-beater against the Grizzlies...we can't wait to see what he'll do under the brightest lights the sport has to offer.
3) We’ll Have Another Injury…
We’re not happy to say this, but we’re taking the over for hospital visits in these injury-laden playoffs. Will Kyrie Irving's knee hold up? How will Klay Thompson deal with his concussion? Or will someone else get hurt?
4) J.R. Smith will win a game for Cleveland
The mercurial Cavs swingman is a streaky shooter, but when he gets hot, no one of the planet can stop him. Look for him to be challenged by LeBron James and David Blatt to match the Splash Brothers, and he'll respond with a monstrous 30+ point game and a barrage of three's.
5) Draymond Green will have a Lance Stephenson moment while guarding LeBron James
Green figures to be the primary defender on LeBron all series, and he'll do anything he can to try to get under his skin and into his head. Maybe he'll blow in his ear, too?
6) The first team to win a road game will win this series
Golden State's home dominance has been well documented, but Cleveland had the second-best record in the NBA after acquiring J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert, and Timofey Mozgov midseason. Both teams are expected to control the games on their home court, and the first team to steal a game on the road will give themselves a huge advantage.
7) The Cavs will fall down 2-0…
…and there will be panic in the streets. No worry.
8) Cleveland will win their next two games at home
The Cavs will hold serve at home the same way the Warriors will early in the series, setting up a thrilling final three games.
9) Golden State will win every home game by double-digits
The Warriors have only lost three times at home this season – once to the Spurs, the Bulls, and the Grizzlies. Golden State blew out the Cavs at Oracle Arena during the regular season (112-94 on January 9), and their home crowd will give them even more of an advantage in the Finals.
VERDICT
The Warriors will win in 7 games
The NBA Finals are switching from the 2-3-2 home-court format to the 2-2-1-1-1 format used throughout the rest of the playoffs this season, and that will play a major factor in extending this series as long as possible. However, I expect the home team to win every game in this series, meaning the Warriors pull it out in seven.
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