Bold Game 1 NBA Finals Predictions for Heat vs. Thunder

Game 1 will be an adjustment for both finals teams. The Heat are fresh off facing the number one defense, and occasionally present offense, in the Boston Celtics. The Thunder just ousted the San Antonio Spurs, an offensive juggernaut with some defensive issues. 

Though OKC deserves credit for rolling offensively in these playoffs, I believe that Miami will be an initial stumbling block. The best defense the Thunder faced was Dallas, ranked merely eighth in defensive efficiency. Miami will be a step up as the fifth best defensive squad, and one that occasionally seemed to tinker and loaf in the regular season. I doubt we'll see that same lack of focus in the finals. 

Untrue to form, the Thunder haven't been turning the ball over in the playoffs. They led the league in turnovers with a 26.5 ratio. In the playoffs, they've been at only a 20.2 mark. OKC should revert back to form, when facing a swarming LeBron-led defense. 

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1218098-bold-game-1-nba-finals-predictions-for-heat-vs-thunder

Damaso Marte Mariano Rivera Kerry Wood Francisco Cervelli Chad Moeller Jorge Posada