Expert panel predicts NBA Finals outcome

Heading into the NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder, our panel of experts pick the winner and MVP.

It’s the matchup everyone wanted to see and it’s going to be a good one. Who would have ever thought the Miami Heat would enter the NBA Finals as an underdog? But that’s the reality as the Oklahoma City Thunder look to have a deeper, more-talented team with their role players performing at a slightly higher level than Miami’s. On the court, it appears that OKC has a slight advantage but we have always mentioned the word experience (or lack thereof) with the Thunder. Will they be able to overcome some of the potential off-court pitfalls that come with their first appearance on the big stage? Miami has graced this arena as recently as last season and knows what it’s about. It should be fun to watch. Let’s go with OKC in seven games.

Pick: Thunder in seven

MVP: Kevin Durant

On paper, this should be an easy series for Oklahoma City to win.

The Kevin Durant and LeBron James battle is going to be a match-up for the ages, but Thabo Sefolosha is one of the better defenders in the NBA and he should be able to contain a hobbled Dwyane Wade. Where this series really starts to swing in OKC’s favour is at the point guard spot because Russell Westbrook should have his way against Mario Chalmers. Chris Bosh, who had a huge impact in the final few games of the Eastern Conference Finals, will have a tough time battling down low against Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins in this series. The final nail in the coffin for the Heat should be the fact that nobody on Miami’s bench will be able to slow down James Harden.

Pick: Thunder in six

MVP: Kevin Durant

When LeBron James took his talents to South Beach, he and his cronies promised a gaggle of rings for Miami. While it looks like they may have promised more than they could deliver, they may get their first this year.

On paper, the Thunder look like the stronger team, if only for health reasons, but there is a reason why they play the games. Kevin Durant and Co. are missing one key ingredient — experience — and in the NBA it counts.

James appears to have learned a lot from last year’s final debacle and he should be able to will his side to victory.

Pick: Heat in six

MVP: LeBron James

LeBron James, in spite of his many critics, is playing the best basketball of his life and he’s coming off two dominant performances in Games 6 and 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. However, Oklahoma City is battle-tested … and rested! Few felt they could get by Dallas, the LA Lakers and San Antonio to reach the NBA Finals but they did just that. The Thunder can score in bunches or slow folks down with size, edge, rebounding, and 1-on-1 specialists. With Kevin Durant in the driver’s seat and Russell Westbrook riding shotgun, I think the Thunder can and will stay on their magnificent ride. I’m going with OKC.

Pick: Thunder in six

MVP: Kevin Durant

The Thunder found the pieces they were missing last year during the playoffs. They have the talent, and now they’ve finally got enough focus and discipline. Even though LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have had outstanding games this year, the Heat haven’t looked very coherent this post-season. It’s definitely Oklahoma City’s year.

Pick: Thunder in seven

MVP: Kevin Durant

I just can’t get past 33.6 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block in 46 minutes per game. Those are LeBron’s numbers in the Conference Finals, and that’s enough to make a believer out of me. In The Last Waltz, Levon Helm talks about when The Band first traveled to New York City: “It took a couple of trips to get into it. You just go in the first time, you get your ass kicked and you take off. As soon as it heals up, you come back and you try it again.” That’s basically how it works in the NBA Finals. This is that first trip for Durant and the Thunder. LeBron? He’s gotten his ass kicked twice — here’s betting there won’t be a third time.

Pick: Heat in seven

MVP: LeBron James