NBA Finals 2013: Breaking Down Potential MVP Candidates

This year's NBA Finals feature an outstanding matchup between the defending champion Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs.

The Heat are coming off a hard-fought, seven-game series against the Indiana Pacers. The Spurs, on the other hand, made quick work of the Memphis Grizzlies, winning in four games.

Both teams feature stars and sure-fire Hall of Famers. The Heat are led by the incomparable LeBron James and the Spurs are led by the timeless Tim Duncan, with both teams pretty evenly matched.

There are a number of MVP candidates on both sides, each with an unique ability to take over the series. Which players have the best chance of taking home the MVP trophy? Let's take a look.

LeBron James

LeBron James is, without a doubt, the best player in the world. The 2013 regular-season MVP averaged 29 points in the Eastern Conference Finals, along with 7.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists. In the deciding Game 7 against the Pacers, James scored 32 points.

James can beat teams in a number of ways. He can pull up for a jumper, drive to the rack or make a beautiful pass.

James' biggest impact, however, might be on the defensive side of the ball. He would be best served guarding Tony Parker, who was dominant against Memphis and is the leading scorer for the Spurs. If James can use his length and athleticism to neutralize Parker, then the Heat have a great chance at winning.

The Heat won't win if James isn't at his best, but the best player in the world is playing the best basketball of his career. He's incredible in all aspects of the game.

Neutralizing Parker, and continuing his hot scoring streak would make James the favorite to win the MVP award.

Tim Duncan

The Heat were exposed in the Indiana series as being weak in the interior. David West averaged 16.6 points and 8.9 rebounds while Roy Hibbert averaged 22.1 points and 10.4 rebounds.

That bodes well for Tim Duncan's MVP candidacy. Duncan, who is a better player than both West and Hibbert, will be salivating at the lack of interior depth for Miami.

Duncan averaged 15.5 points and 9.3 rebounds against Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol of Memphis. Against the Warriors, who lack interior depth like the Heat, Duncan averaged 19.5 points and 10.3 rebounds.

Quite simply, the Heat do not have a defender who can stop Duncan. Chris Bosh is weak in the post, and more comfortable on the perimeter. Chris "Birdman" Andersen is a nice defender, but not skilled enough to contain Duncan.

It will be interesting to see if the Heat decide to put LeBron James on Duncan. While he is three inches shorter than Duncan, he is the most athletic and versatile defender on the roster. If he does guard Duncan, then Tony Parker will have an easier time of getting to the paint.

Duncan should put up big numbers, especially in the rebound department. The Spurs have averaged around five rebounds more per game in the postseason than the Spurs.

The Pacers took the Heat to the brink with their interior play. The Spurs, led by Duncan, could do the same and it would make Duncan a strong MVP candidate.

Tony Parker

Tony Parker is having an outstanding postseason, averaging 23 points and 7.6 assists. In the deciding Game 4 against Memphis, Parker scored 37 points on 15-of-21 shooting from the field. In Game 2, Parker put up 15 points and a whopping 18 assists.

However, he did not face a defensive force like James, whose unique length and athleticism will make it hard for Parker to drive. In addition, Parker is dealing with an inflamed Achilles and pain in his left leg. While he is not expected to miss any time, the injury could rob him of a bit of his explosiveness. He will need all of his speed and athleticism to beat James off the bounce.

That said, Parker carved up a Memphis defense that gave up the fewest points per game in the regular season in the league. He won't be held off the scoresheet and should make a big impact.

The bigger the impact he makes, the better the chance the Spurs have of winning. If they do, Parker will be a big reason as to why.