2012 NBA Finals: LeBron and Durant Aim for First Title; Spurs, Celtics Want More

The Miami Heat promised to bring a championship to South Beach. If only it were that easy. San Antonio has not lost since April 12–a streak of 19 consecutive games. Oklahoma City is looking to prove that its young team belongs in the Finals, and the Boston Celtics roared to life, showing the basketball world they have enough left in the tank for at least one more title run. Here's a look at the potential Finals matchups. All are ranked one to 10, with one being the least likely to occur and 10 being a lock. 

Oklahoma City Thunder V. Miami Heat

Miami Heat v. Oklahoma City Thunder

LeBron James and Chris Bosh teamed up with Dwayne Wade and promised to bring a title to South Beach. Now with Bosh out indefinitely with an abdominal strain, that task becomes taller than ever. To reach a Finals date with the Thunder, the Heat will have to spread the floor and look to run on Boston, a team that has come alive down the stretch, proving they have enough left in the tank to make one last run. 

Oklahoma City is one of the most athletic teams in the league. They have a "Big Three" of their own in the form of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Until Oklahoma City acquired Kendrick Perkins and Derek Fisher, Miami would have likely taken the series. With veteran leadership from players like Fisher and an apparent size advantage down low, Oklahoma City is set to take home the franchise's first title since they were known as the Seattle Super Sonics in 1979—a span of 33 years.

LIKELIHOOD: 9

RESULT: Oklahoma City in six

Miami Heat V. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are in contention every single year, yet are scarcely mentioned as title threats when the discussion begins each year. San Antonio has made the playoffs every year since 1999, including titles in 1999, 2003, 2005, and 2007. The timeless Spurs have run off 19 straight wins, including a Game 1 victory over the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. The core of this team has not changed in some time: Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli and Tim Duncan. This team runs on the expression: if it's not broke, then don't fix it.

San Antonio has always been known as a defensive-minded team, and this year is no different. They showed that their age won't prevent them from competing with up–tempo teams like Miami or Oklahoma City with that Game 1 win, but the question remains: Can San Antonio keep it up for two more potential seven-game series? Tim Duncan's numbers have slipped this year from his career averages of 20.3 PPG and 11.3 RPG, but he has still averaged 17.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per game during these playoffs.

LIKELIHOOD: 8

RESULT: San Antonio in seven

Boston Celtics V. Oklahoma City Thunder

Old against new. Pierce against Durant. Westbrook against Rondo. From the sound of those matchups, this would make for an interesting series. The only problem? Well, there are two: the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs. Boston is struggling with injuries to Ray Allen and defensive specialist Avery Bradley while the Thunder come in at 100 percent strength. Not to mention, the Thunder have the duo of Durant and Westbrook, with James Harden coming off the bench, averaging 16.8 points per game for OKC.

Of course, Paul Pierce and company can never really be counted out. The injuries will be a big hurdle, but with a healthy Rajon Rondo, Boston still has the capability to make it past the Thunder. A bigger problem for the Celtics is making it past the physical, high-tempo Miami Heat—led by three-time MVP LeBron James. Even if they manage to do so, coming off a series with Miami to take on Oklahoma City isn't going to do Boston any favors.  

LIKELIHOOD: 4

RESULT: Oklahoma City in five

San Antonio Spurs V. Boston Celtics

This series would be worth watching just to see Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan go head-to-head. These two perennial contenders' style of play matches up well. Neither team likes to run but can when needed. As the time of the Big Three draws to a close, Boston thrives on the half court game. Much of the same can be said for the Spurs with the likes of Duncan, Ginobli, and Parker.

Fundamental basketball will be the name of the series. Without a healthy Ray Allen, Boston will be less able to spread the floor and provide space for Garnett to work in the lane. Duncan will get defensive help from the guards, and another scoring threat will be neutralized for Boston. Without an answer for the ever-dangerous Ginobili, Boston stands little chance of picking up another title before the end of the Big Three era. 

LIKELIHOOD: 5

RESULT: San Antonio in five