NBA: Comparing the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder's "Big 3's"

The two front-runners for the NBA title are the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder. Both were early season favorites and have not disappointed.

The Thunder have dominated the Western Conference all season and seem to have a lock on the number one seed.

Miami has been great in the Eastern Conference, battling with the Chicago Bulls for the top seed in the East.

Both teams are set on a collision course to duke it out for NBA supremacy.

If the series we anticipate does indeed happen, the games may come down to matchups.

The Thunder and Heat have five all-stars between them and both rely on their own "Big 3."

It's pretty simple. The "Big 3" who plays the best leads their team to a championship.

Let's explore the battle of the "Big 3's" in Miami and OKC...

James Harden vs. Chris Bosh

2012 Season Stats

James Harden: 17.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.8 APG, 49.3% FG

Chris Bosh: 18.1 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.9 APG, 49.1% FG

Advantage: Thunder

James Harden is more than a third wheel for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is an integral piece the team desperately depends on. Harden provides a spark off the bench that's unmatched by any other player in the NBA. It's just why Harden will win the NBA's 6th Man of the Year Award.

Chris Bosh is an important but sometimes unnecessary piece for the Miami Heat. He has games where he lights up the scoreboard and fits right in, but most of the time he finds himself looking lost on the court. James and Wade have figured out how to play together, but they have seemingly left Bosh out of the equation. Couple this with Bosh's horrible defense and lackluster rebounding, and the Thunder win this matchup easily.

Russell Westbrook vs. Dwyane Wade

2012 Season Stats

Russell Westbrook: 24.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.4 APG, 47.1% FG

Dwyane Wade:  22.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 4.8 APG, 50.4% FG

Advantage: Heat

Russell Westbrook has become one of the best point guards in the league. Most would put Chris Paul ahead of Westbrook, but Russell seems to be improving by the game. By the time the playoffs roll around he may just cement his place as the NBA's best point guard. Westbrook provides a perfect compliment to Kevin Durant. If Durant doesn't have it going, his teammate always has his back.

Dwyane Wade is having another great season. When it comes down to clutch shots, the only one we trust more is Kobe Bryant. This advantage goes to D-Wade for his offense and defense. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra will put Wade on Westbrook for defense. No way Westbrook ever D's up D-Wade. Heat get the nod.

Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James

2012 Season Stats

Kevin Durant: 27.9 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 3.6 APG, 49.9% FG

LeBron James: 26.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 6.6 APG,  53.4% FG

Advantage: Pending

The 2012 MVP race is going to come down to Kevin Durant and LeBron James. The NBA Finals could very well do the same.

Kevin Durant is having his best year by far. He is currently posting career highs in field goal percentage, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. The Thunder depend on his consistency and he seems to always come through.  He is also one of the most clutch players in the NBA.

LeBron James continues his historic regular seasons with maybe his best year since entering the NBA, and that's saying a lot. James has carried the Heat all year, even as Dwyane Wade battled with injuries. James has been brilliant offensively but has also taken the load off his team defensively. LeBron has guarded all five positions this season, something Durant will never do.

Watching these two guys battle in the Finals would be the best duel ever. Both want a championship badly.

The advantage remains a toss up until June arrives.

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