Cavs vs. Warriors: 2015 NBA Finals Schedule And Predictions

The NBA Finals kicks off tonight in Oakland, Ca. between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavs.  The Cavs haven’t been to the playoffs, let alone the finals, since LeBron left in 2010. Their drought from a championship… let’s not even discuss that.

The Warriors haven’t seen the championship trophy in decades.  Both teams feature rookie coaches in David Blatt for the Cavs and Steve Kerr for the Warriors. The dubs took 15 wins to reach the finals, with the Cavs getting there in 14. These two teams had the best record in the NBA after January 13th. The Dubs were of course the top team in the L this season with a record of 67-15.

The Cavs and Warriors were two of the best shooting teams in the playoffs. The Warriors have the edge at 52.8% and their three-point range is around 36%.

 X factors:

Will JR Smith be consistent for the Cavs and of course, the health of Kyrie Irving. The Warriors have their own health concerns, after Clay Thompson suffered a concussion last week.

I’m looking forward to see how Draymond Green and Tristian Thompson play. Thompson has found his groove as of late, and has been a monster on the offensive glass. Green will have to watch for foul trouble if he spends a lot of time guarding King James. I’m looking forward to the match up of Green and Thompson, or Harrison Barnes and Thompson.

The Cavs bench has more experience with guys like James Jones, Mike Miller and Shawn Marion who all have won championships. But the Warriors bench is deeper and younger.

We also can’t forget the arena advantage. The Oracle is one of the loudest fanbases in the NBA. The Warriors only lost two games on their home floor this season.

Having said all that, I am going against the King. I pick the Warriors in 6. West Coast Baby!

SCHEDULE

Game 1: Thursday, June 4, Cleveland at Golden State, 9 p.m. EST, ABC

Game 2: Sunday, June 7, Cleveland at Golden State, 8 p.m. EST, ABC

Game 3: Tuesday, June 9, Golden State at Cleveland, 9 p.m. EST, ABC

Game 4: Thursday, June 11, Golden State at Cleveland, 9 p.m. EST, ABC

*Game 5: Sunday, June 14, Cleveland at Golden State, 8 p.m. EST, ABC

*Game 6: Tuesday, June 16, Golden State at Cleveland, 9 p.m. EST, ABC

*Game 7: Friday, June 19, Cleveland at Golden State, 9 p.m. EST, ABC

 

photo via @NBA