Is this a rivalry in the making? Likely not but for the second time in five years the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks will square off in the NBA Finals. This marks the second ever appearance for both franchises in the Finals with the Heat taking the first one in six games thanks to a memorable series by Dwyane Wade. Wade, who won the Finals MVP, helped guide Miami to four straight wins and the title after dropping the first two in Dallas. This time around Miami will enjoy home court advantage and it may be a much needed edge should the series go the distance and ride on a deciding Game 7.
Series Schedule
Game 1 – Tue. May 31 at Miami 9:00 PM
Game 2 – Thu. June 2 at Miami 9:00 PM
Game 3 – Sun. June 5 at Dallas 8:00 PM
Game 4 – Tue. June 7 at Dallas 9:00 PM
Game 5 * Thu. June 9 at Dallas 9:00 PM
Game 6 * Sun. June 12 at Miami 8:00 PM
Game 7 * Tue. June 14 at Miami 9:00PM
*If Necessary
Center: Tyson Chandler and Brendan Haywood are both legit 7 footers capable of giving the Mavericks an advantage at the five spot over either Joel Anthony or anyone else that Miami may put on the floor. Chandler has solidified and anchored the Mavs defense. Even Chris Bosh who should see extended minutes at center doesn’t match up well with the big bodied Mavs when it comes to low post offense or boards.
Advantage: Mavericks
Power Forward: Okay so everyone thinks this is automatically for Dallas but let’s take a closer look. Dirk Nowitzki has been playing out of his mind this post season, shooting 51.7 percent from the field. Including over 51% from three point land. Still Chris Bosh and Udonis Haslem form a formidable pairing. Haslem gave Dirk fits back in the 2006 Finals. While Bosh and Haslem will hold their own look for the Mavericks to have an edge at this spot due to Zzz German…
Advantage: Mavericks
Small Forward: This may prove to be LeBron James toughest match up thus far in the playoffs. Shawn Marion is both athletic and good at defense. Look for him to take a back seat on offense in order to focus containing James. All that said James is on a mission and if Marion is the Matrix then James is one Keanu Reeves black trench coat wearing bullet dodger. I’d also take Mike Miller over Peja.
Advantage: Heat
Shooting Guard: Dwyane Wade is obviously the best player in thei group. I see Wade more than any other player being the wild card that will tilt the series one way or another. While the Heat advanced despite a sub par series by Wade versus Chicago, Miami will need him now more than ever. Look for the Mavs to use Deshawn Stevenson, Jason Terry and Jason Kidd to defend Wade. Don’t look for any of them to have much luck versus him.
Advantage: Heat
Point Guard: Both teams have one aging former All Star/veteran and a young up and coming back up. Mike Bibby and Mario Chalmers will need to pick up their play in order to match the production of Jason Kidd and JJ Barea.
Advantage: Mavericks
Prediction: This series will offer up plenty of exciting highlights and competetive games in the end look for the Miami Heat to break Dallas and Dirks hearts again. The Heat’s athleticism along with a determined and inspired effort from the Big Three will make the difference when all is said and done.
Outcome: Heat in 6