NBA: Key Matchups of the Conference Finals

In this article, we look at the decisive matchups at each position on the court. In the Western Conference Finals, we have an experienced San Antonio Spurs dealing with a resurrected and energetic Memphis Grizzlies franchise while the East has the perennial contenders Miami Heat matching up against a focused and organized Indiana Pacers.

Point Guard: Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs) versus Mike Conley (Memphis Grizzlies)

Tony Parker has been raging hard when it comes to spearheading the Spurs’ offence. He doesn’t just shoot well, he has been the centre of the creation process, including being the assist machine and generating turnovers from the opponents. Mike Conley, on the other hand, has been a huge factor in the Grizzlies progressing to the Finals. He is a master of the pick and roll system that has both Randolph and Gasol thriving.

It is going to be a hard contest to differentiate these two players considering both players pass and shoot well. Fans of the NBA have something to look forward here and it is pretty certain that give or take, both players have the talents to turn this contest in their favours.

Prediction: Tony Parker edging Mike Conley that proves decisive in sending the Spurs to the NBA Finals.

Shooting Guard: Dwayne Wade (Miami Heat) versus Lance Stephenson (Indiana Pacers)

Just to analyse in terms of talent and experience, Dwayne Wade clearly has the up over Lance Stephenson. However, Wade’s injury and Stephenson’s rejuvenation over the play-offs where he had a 25 point game can have this tie go in any direction. In fact, if the Pacers do wish to win this series, they need Stephenson playing the game of his life, shooting upscale over Wade and guarding him in the 4th quarter. LeBron James can dominate Paul George how much ever he wants but if Wade is shut out by Stephenson, the Pacers can fancy themselves in the other positions on the floor as well. Again, it depends if Wade is fit to tackle Stephenson’s persistent man marking or not.

Prediction: Dwayne Wade sneaking in jump shots in the 4th against Stephenson’s inexperience to switch players in the pick and roll. The Heat use these cheeky 6-7 points from Wade in the fourth to progress.

Small Forward: Tayshaun Prince (Memphis Grizzlies) versus Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs)

Although Paul George relentlessly guarding LeBron James is a more exciting matchup to watch, Prince versus Leonard could prove the decisive factor in the Western Conference Finals. Prince has a wealth of experience, shoots well and can play smart defence. His free throw percentage and three points shooting have been wayward but in any clutch moment, the Grizzlies can back Prince to fire. Leonard, on the other hand, has been another prodigious draft pick under the Popovich era. Kawhi Leonard’s revelation comes in the 2nd and 3rd quarter where his quickness and stamina see him racing through to sneak in few cheeky points. He might have gotten into the paint abundantly against a demoralized Thunder side but going up against Prince and probably, Allen (the best perimeter defender) could see him struggle to score that fluidly as he has done in the playoffs.

Prediction: Both players average 7.5 PPG and 3 RPG in this series but Prince to win this battle with a better performance in the fourth and generating more turnovers from Kawhi Leonard.

Power Forward: David West (Indiana Pacers) versus Udonis Haslem (Miami Heat)

Udonis Haslem isn’t as talented as David West but he has in his hands a huge task to deal with. The Pacers versus Heat games could go either way but the Miamian franchise are considered favourites for now. But, if there is a weak link on court for Miami, it is Udonis Haslem. David West is an All-Star and is a smart player when it comes to shooting from the paint. He can generate fouls when needed and that’s one of Haslem’s weaknesses. Erik Spoelstra could choose to play Chris Anderson instead but the Birdman’s fitness and sporadic on court displays might convince the head coach to stick with Haslem. West has a key battle that he has to dominate for the Pacers to have any chance of progressing into the next round. He will show up with points but if Haslem can keep it down to a respectable number, the Heat can fancy them to knock off the Pacers considering they have the upper hand in almost every other position.

Prediction: David West to score 15 PPG and seal about 8 RPG against a not so talented Udonis Haslem. If Chris Anderson does play, West might fancy his offensive skills from the perimeter to shoot a few good jump shots and win the battle.

Centre: Tiago Splitter (San Antonio Spurs) versus Marc Gasol (Memphis Grizzlies)

Tiago Splitter is a monster when it comes to offence. He uses his height almost perfect grabbing offensive rebounds and tucking them back into the basketball. So far in the playoffs, he hasn’t been bad in defence either and that is something which could worry Marc Gasol. Solely in terms of comparison, Gasol can play better defence but Splitter might have the upper hand in offence. The games look to be close between both teams and it could well turn either way with both teams equally equipped in the point guard, power forward and centre positions. Pick and rolls, post games and iso could be used abundantly in this series.

Prediction: Gasol will have a tough game up his sleeves considering he just came off shutting offensively less talented centres such as JaVale McGee and Kendrick Perkins. Splitter will give him a good game but Gasol might just be the better overall player here.