2011 NBA Finals Predictions and Picks – Dallas Mavericks vs Miami Heat

2011 NBA Finals Expert Picks – Dallas Mavericks vs Miami Heat Series Odds, Predictions, Free Picks and Preview:In 2006, Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat ripped the NBA title away from the Dallas Mavericks, charging back from a 2-0 series deficit to defeat Dirk Nowitzki and company in six games. Five years later, the two teams will once again meet for the NBA title. Wade and Nowitzki are still among the headliners for both squads, but a new cast of characters will help determine the outcome this time around.

The Heat and the Mavericks have taken similar paths to reach the finals.  Miami won 58 games in the regular season, and Dallas won 57. Both teams ranked eighth or better in terms of team offense and defense as well. During the playoffs, there has been little doubt that both clubs are the best teams out there right now, and this year’s title fight has all the makings of an instant classic.

Dallas opened the postseason with a hard fought victory against the Portland Trail Blazers. They followed it up with a surprising sweep of the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers and then dispatched a young Oklahoma City Thunder team in five games. Along the way, Nowitzki has elevated his game to superstar status, taking and making clutch shots that have eluded him in the past.

As for the Heat, the trio of superstars that never seemed to gel during the regular season has suddenly become unstoppable. After getting past the Philadelphia 76ers in five games with a somewhat mediocre effort, Miami overwhelmed the defending conference champion Boston Celtics in five games. The Heat continued to roll in the conference finals, eliminating the NBA’s top-seeded Chicago Bulls in just five games as well. Along the way, LeBron James has become a true closer, and he and Wade have played suffocating defense. Meanwhile, Chris Bosh has finally become the offensive weapon he was expected to be.

In terms of matchups, both teams can cause problems for the opposition. Wade showed in the 2006 finals that the Mavericks don’t have an answer for him, and that isn’t likely to change. James will be equally difficult for Dallas to contain. The Heat will face a similar headache in trying to slow down Nowitzki. That being said, two is better than one, giving Miami and edge in terms of offensive matchups.

One of the X-factors in this series is going to be the effectiveness of the post players for both sides. Nowitzki may be a big man in terms of height, but he isn’t spending his time in the paint. For Dallas, the interior player they need to step up is Tyson Chandler. While there is no doubt he has added some toughness to the Mavericks, protecting the rim against James and Wade without getting in foul trouble won’t be easy. Miami will need similar efforts from Udonis Haslem and Bosh. While Bosh will need to contribute in the scoring column, Haslem is going to be charged with wearing down Nowitzki.

The other X-factor is going to be bench play. The Heat have a very thin group of reserves, while Dallas has a loaded bench led by Jason Terry. Terry provides a legitimate 30-point option in relief, and Peja Stojakovic and J.J. Barea can provide steady production as well. The thin bench hasn’t hurt Miami up until now, but the Dallas reserves have already proven themselves good enough to dominate the Lakers.

Expect a back and forth series between two teams that have plenty of firepower on offense. Miami will want to score in transition while making the Mavericks grind it out on the offensive end. Dallas will look to limit the trips to the foul line for James and Wade, while spreading the floor with its 3-point shooters.

Thanks to James and the team defense, Miami has dominated down the stretch of games throughout the playoffs, especially against the Celtics and Bulls. While Chicago’s struggles in crunch time can be chalked up to youth and inexperience, knocking off Boston can’t be dismissed. The Mavericks won’t fold, but as bad as Nowitzki will want to avenge the 2006 debacle, Miami has simply put it all together at the perfect time.

Prediction: Miami Heat Win in 7 Games

Get more expert NBA picks daily from the National Sports Advisors.

2011 NBA Finals Series Odds
Dallas Mavericks vs Miami Heat
Dallas Mavericks +150
Miami Heat -170