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10 Matchups We Want To See In The 2017 NBA Playoffs

By Gerald Bourguet

Mar 1, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is guarded by Boston Celtics point guard Marcus Smart (36) during the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is guarded by Boston Celtics point guard Marcus Smart (36) during the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NBA Playoffs
Dec 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland defeats Golden State 109-108. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

1. NBA Finals: No. 1 Golden State Warriors vs. No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers

No offense to all the Celtics, Rockets, Wizards, Raptors and especially Spurs fans out there, but the most predicted 2017 NBA Finals matchup would also be its most appealing.

Spurs and Cavaliers showdowns have been great over the years, but everyone is holding their breath for Part 3 of Warriors vs. Cavaliers, and rightfully so — throughout NBA history, the same two teams have never met in the Finals three straight times.

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    • If everything shakes out as expected, that will change in 2017, when two revamped title contenders complete their collision course and meet in this year’s championship series.

    A 73-win Warriors team that was one win away from back-to-back titles added Kevin Durant to the equation. The defending champs and their stellar starting five added Kyle Korver, Derrick Williams, Deron Williams and Larry Sanders to round out last year’s lackluster bench. Both teams somehow got stronger, contrary to what their records might say. This would be the best possible Finals matchup, hands down.

    Curry trying to exact revenge on Kyrie after last year’s Game 7 game-winner. LeBron vs. KD in the Finals once again in a battle of perhaps the two greatest players in the NBA. Klay Thompson vs. J.R. Smith. Draymond Green, his flailing limbs and his quest for Game 5 suspension redemption against a healthy Kevin Love in his best Cleveland season yet. Golden State’s untested bench against an improved Cavs second unit. This matchup couldn’t be juicier.

    In 2015, a clearly superior Warriors team shook off some early jitters and handily won despite the series going to six games. In 2016, a clearly superior Warriors team watched as its historic season was flushed down the drain by Green’s costly suspension and a Herculean effort from LeBron.

    Next: 2016-17 NBA Power Rankings: Week 22

    In 2017, the story has yet to be written. But if the basketball gods are kind, we’ll get to settle this 1-1 NBA Finals tie with a third and decisive showdown between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers.