Cavs vs. Warriors Game 1: May 31, Oracle Arena, 9 p.m. (WEWS) Game 2: June 3, Oracle Arena, 8 p.m. (WEWS) Game 3: June 6, Quicken Loans Arena, 9 p.m.(WEWS) Game 4: June 8, Quicken Loans Arena., 9 p.m. (WEWS) Game 5: June 11, Oracle Arena, 9 p.m., if necessary (WEWS) Game 6: June 14, Quicken Loans Arena, 9 p.m., if necessary (WEWS) Game 7: June 17, Oracle Arena, 8 p.m., if necessary (WEWS)
Point guard
Cavaliers >> George Hill, 9.7 points, 2.2 assists
Warriors >> Steph Curry, 24.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists
What to watch >> Curry’s postseason did not begin until the second round, when he returned from a knee injury in Game 2 of the Warriors’ series against the New Orleans Pelicans. The two-time MVP’s looked like himself for the most part, scoring almost 25 points per game and shooting at an effective clip. Hill’s defense held the Celtics’ Terry Rozier in check for much of the Eastern Conference finals but that task pales in comparison to guarding Curry. Hill also missed a handful of games in the first round but proved himself reliable against the Celtics.
Advantage >> Warriors
Shooting Guard
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Cavaliers >> J.R. Smith (8.5 points)
Warriors >> Klay Thompson (20.5 points, 4.2 rebounds)
What to watch >> Smith averaged 6.1 points per game and shot 29.4 percent from 3 against the Celtics. He’ll need to be better against the Warriors, especially from the perimeter to help the Cavaliers match Golden State’s explosive offense. Thompson is among the league’s best perimeter defenders and shooters, capable of torching opponents who focus too intently on the Warriors’ other high-scoring options.
Advantage >> Warriors
Small Forward
Cavaliers >> LeBron James (34 points, 9.2 rebounds, 8.8 assists)
Warriors >> Andre Iguodala (7.9 points, 4.9 rebounds)
What to watch >> James leads the Cavaliers in scoring, assists, steals and blocks. He’s elevated his game to heights unseen to will the Cavaliers to a fourth straight Finals, and his eighth straight chance to play for a title. Iguodala is an excellent defender and a cerebral player, but he won’t become the first person to slow James this postseason.
Advantage >> Cavaliers
Power Forward
Cavaliers >> Kevin Love (13.9 points, 10 rebounds)
Warriors >> Kevin Durant (29 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists)
What to watch >> Love is in the concussion protocol but if he’s cleared, coach Tyronn Lue says he will start. The Cavaliers need reliable production from Love to support James after Love scored 10.7 points per game on 37.5 percent shooting against the Celtics. Durant leads the Warriors in scoring, and will likely see more defense from James and Tristan Thompson during the series. Like James, Durant has been unstoppable at the offensive end this postseason.
Advantage >> Warriors
Center
Cavaliers >> Tristan Thompson (6.1 points, 6.1 rebounds)
Warriors >> Draymond Green (11.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, 8.1 assists)
What to watch >> Lue inserted Thompson into the starting lineup during the Eastern Conference finals and it appears to pay dividends. At the very least, Thompson is valuable as a teammate James appears to trust on the floor. He’ll bring defensive value with his ability to switch onto smaller offensive players. Green leads the Warriors in rebounding, passing, steals and blocks and has an all-around impact on the game that takes stress off Durant and Curry.
Advantage >> Warriors
Bench
Cavaliers >> Jeff Green, Kyle Korver, Larry Nance Jr., Jordan Clarkson
Warriors >> Kevon Looney, Shaun Livingston, Quinn Cook, David West, Nick Young
What to watch >> Green filled in admirably after Love was concussed in Game 6 and will be counted on for big minutes off Lue’s bench. Korver moved to the bench when Thompson joined the starting lineup, and his 3-point shooting will be necessary for the Cavaliers to have a chance in the Finals. Nance Jr. provided valuable minutes, and energy, off the bench. His athleticism will be useful at the defensive end. Steve Kerr’s bench rotation has varied, with only Livingston and Looney receiving playing time. The question for the Warriors isn’t what production their reserves can add, but if they can break even Kerr’s starters rest.
Advantage >> Cavaliers
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