NBA Finals 2012: Game-by-Game Prediction of OKC Thunder vs. Miami Heat

The stage has been set, and the NBA Finals are upon us. The draft-made Big Three is set to take on the money-made Big Three as the Oklahoma City Thunder battle the Miami Heat for the NBA title.

And what a battle it will be.

At the heart of this seven-game war will be LeBron James and Kevin Durant, arguably the two best players in the NBA. Alongside them will be a cast of stars, with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade following LBJ into battle, while James Harden and Russell Westbrook ride alongside KD35.

So, who has the advantage?

While we could compare the positional battles, we all know how far that goes. This is a game of execution and on-court performance, not paper war. For that reason, we all must know what will happen night-to-night.

Here's a full breakdown of the NBA Finals on a game-by-game basis.

Game 1

Game 1 is often the most important battle of all, as momentum will be gained and the pace of the series will be decided.

That's exactly why the consensus best player in the world will rise to the occasion and lead his troops into battle.

The Oklahoma City crowd is never an easy one to overcome; if you don't believe that, explain the Thunder's being a perfect 8-0 at home during the postseason, on top of going 26-7 in OKC during the regular season.

The crowd will be a factor.

Unfortunately for the Thunder, the rust will be there as they come off an extended hiatus.

LeBron may be tired today, but when Game 1 rolls around, the fatigue will wear off as King James pursues his first NBA title.

Expect big games from Mario Chalmers and Udonis Haslem, as well, as the Heat counter-punch two of the Thunder's greatest advantages.

It'll be close, but the Heat will be in control.

Final Score: Heat 105, Thunder 99

Game 2

Whoever told you that a series is over once Game 1 is decided clearly lacks any knowledge beyond that of statistical phenomena. Just ask the Indiana Pacers if it can be done, as they overcame the Orlando Magic in the first round after facing the same deficit.

Are the NBA Finals a greater stage with far more pressure? Certainly. But this the playoffs, folks!

Anything can happen.

For those expecting the Oklahoma City Thunder to respond with a major offensive display, don't. This is going to be a methodical, coach-versus-coach battle that relies heavily on defense and sees big fourth-quarter performances from Kevin Durant and James Harden.

The three quarters leading up to this point will rest on Russell Westbrook's shoulders, as he must carry the scoring load early while Durant turns up the pressure on LeBron James from the perimeter.

And he'll do just that.

This one won't be pretty, but the job will be done.

Final Score: Thunder 92, Heat 84

Game 3

The Miami Heat will play in front of a crowd that can be just as loud, albeit much less passionate, as the Oklahoma City faithful. That might be why the Heat went 28-5 at home during the regular season and have a postseason record of  8-2 in Miami.

While all eyes will be on LeBron James to duplicate his historic, 45-point performance against the Boston Celtics, the star of South Beach will re-emerge as Dwyane Wade leads the charge. Countering James Harden's scoring will be the main focus, but Wade's ability to penetrate off of the dribble will be key.

Early foul trouble on Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins will open the door for some big Miami runs.

Expect Wade to finish somewhere around 30 points, while LeBron has one of his better games as a facilitator. Chris Bosh should also be on the lookout, as he finally creates scoring opportunities, with Ibaka on the bench.

Final Score: Heat 103, Thunder 90

Game 4

In case you haven't heard, Kevin Durant lives for these types of moments.

If you thought LeBron James' 45-point performance was special, this will be off the charts.

With the Thunder's backs against the wall, expect Durant to do the usual and allow his teammates to develop a flow and rhythm early on, only to take over in the fourth quarter and put this bad boy away in the midst of a chorus of boos.

James will score well, Dwyane Wade will continue his pace and Chris Bosh will even contribute a bit.

A well-rounded game from the entire Thunder roster, however, will be just too much to handle.

Look for Serge Ibaka to re-discover his touch from the floor.

Final Score: Thunder 96, Heat 92

Game 5

You want a close game? Here you go. You want a buzzer-beating attempt? You've got it.

This game will be one for the ages, as the Miami Heat look to fight off potential elimination for the second consecutive series.

LeBron James will get his early on, but expect a big night from Mario Chalmers, who has a knack for coming up big in these situations.

Clutch shooting from players such as Mike Miller and Shane Battier will fire the crowd up, while Dwyane Wade's game-changing defensive stops will create transition baskets. Look for Chris Bosh to break his inconsistency and drop in 15 big points.

And cover your mouths as Russell Westbrook rims out a game-winning jump shot as the clock expires.

Final Score: Heat 93, Thunder 92

Game 6

The stars have been shining, and the supporting roles have been filled adequately by the usual suspects.

Time for someone else to breakout.

The first half will belong to Russell Westbrook, who will have had just about enough of receiving no recognition for his nightly 20-point performances.

The second half, however, will belong to a player the Miami Heat never thought they'd hear from again: Daequan Cook.

Cook will not dominate the game in ways that fans will remember, but his three-point shooting will do to Miami what Shane Battier's did to Boston.

The Thunder's crowd will be fired up, but won't tone down Cook's big shots. James Harden will control the fourth quarter with dribble-penetration and range-less shooting to create the perfect balance of shooting brilliance.

Just don't expect Durant to be too quiet.

Final Score: Thunder 106, Heat 89

Game 7

The era of free-agency driven teams may have finally come to a close.

The draft-made Oklahoma City Thunder respond to a tough Game 6 by coming out guns-blazing, receiving a big first half from none other than Thabo Sefolosha. Double-digit scoring from their defensive guru goes a long way toward setting the pace, as big men Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins put the ball in the basket for roughly 12-to-14 points combined.

And then there was revenge.

Expect Russell Westbrook's best game of the postseason. From high pick-and-rolls to create open looks all the way down to isolation calls in which the super-athletic UCLA alum takes Mario Chalmers to the hole, this kid will do something special.

As will James Harden, who is in line for a 20-point performance after a lackluster Game 6.

And then the recently crowned best closer in basketball, Kevin Durant, will go to work. Incredible series, phenomenal season.

What a night in basketball history.

Final Score: Thunder 96, 91 Heat