1. You’ve been waiting for a year for this, what are you looking forward to the most?
Sam Esfandiari
Redemption for Steph. He is the singular biggest reason Golden State turned around, he had one of the most amazing seasons ever and to lose in Game 7, the way GSW did; it felt unfair. The injury v. Houston. All of it. I want Steph to have his finals moment.
Jordan Ramirez
The Warriors got KD for this exact series. Let’s see what he can do on the biggest stage, under the most pressure and 5 years removed from his last Finals appearance.
Andy Liu
Stephen Curry’s play for those that are now treating as a B-list star the likes of their own favorite players.
Sheed Malek
For it to be over… Either the greatest offseason ever or most depressing.
Alex Torres
Regardless if you root for the Warriors or Cavs, this is heaven for basketball fans. The two best teams in the league are meeting for a third straight time, the ultimate rubber match. So much trash talk will be involved and you know you will get plenty of technicals throughout the course of this series. Will it go seven games? I sure hope so.
2. Who wins Game 1?
Sam Esfandiari
Cleveland. LeBron teams tend to come out fast. Golden State is off a 10 day rest. I would not be surprised if the Cavs steal game one.
Jordan Ramirez
I see it closer to 2015 Finals Game 1 than 2016. I expect a close game with the Warriors pulling away late. The layoff should dampen the first half just enough to keep it within striking distance.
Andy Liu
GSW in the closest game of the series.
Sheed Malek
Cavs.
Alex Torres
If the Cavs were to steal a game in the first two at Oracle, I would think Game 1 is their best chance. You have all the emotion and anticipation building up, it’s normal for there to be jitters. If I had to put my money on it, I think the Warriors will win a close game. Winning Game 1 will set the tone for the rest of the series and the Warriors need it more than the Cavs.
3. Which team wins on the road fist?
Sam Esfandiari
Cleveland. Like I said above, Game 1 is probably their best chance to steal a game.
Jordan Ramirez
Warriors.
Andy Liu
GSW.
Sheed Malek
Cavs.
Alex Torres
I think the Warriors will be the first to win on the road. The Oracle crowd will propel them to two victories, which means the Warriors will have to win at the Q. It might not happen in Game 3 or 4, but it could be Game 6, a potential title clincher.
4. Other than LeBron and Kyrie, which Cavs player should the Warriors worry about the most?
Sam Esfandiari
Tristan Thompson. He’s such a load on the glass, and a major key for Cleveland will be winning the rebound battle. In addition, outside of Draymond, none of Golden States bigs are athletic enough to stay with him for long stretches. Tristan’s impact will go a long way in determining how competitive Cleveland is.
Jordan Ramirez
Tristan Thompson. He can wreck havoc down low in the form of rebounding, extra possessions and getting Draymond Green in foul trouble. How the Warriors counter that could mean the series.
Andy Liu
Tristan Thompson by far, especially if Zaza can’t handle him. Sticking Draymond on him could put Dray in foul trouble while unleashing Love.
Sheed Malek
Tristan Thompson. Warriors need the Kardashian Curse to come alive.
Alex Torres
Tristan Thompson. He is a beast on the glass and he is actually shooting better from the free throw line. I envision Thompson causing problems for the Warriors in the paint like he has done in the past. He doesn’t have to create his own shot, so he is able to let the playmakers do their thing, while he cleans up their mess. Keep an eye out for Tristan Thompson, he will be a problem.
5. Which Warriors outside the Big 4, will be the key player of the series?
Sam Esfandiari
Andre Iguodala. As always, the steadying force. When Andre plays well, GSW goes to another level. In this specific match up he’ll be needed v. LeBron. Hopefully he’s healthy because if not, that’s a big blow to GSW.
Jordan Ramirez
Andre Iguodala. Is he healthy? Can he be healthy enough? He’ll be tasked with the toughest job in basketball. Can he contain LeBron just enough to make life somewhat difficult? If it’s the Iguodala we saw this postseason, that’s hardly likely. If the layoff did Iguodala well, his defense, ball-handling and if the Warriors are lucky, his shooting, can be a huge bonus.
Andy Liu
Shaun Livingston in bench minutes against LeBron and shooters. Can he score and handle the pace?
Sheed Malek
Andre. Is his knee ready? Can he hit a shot?!
Alex Torres
I want to say Andre Iguodala, but I will go with JaVale McGee. Surprising I know, but the big man can provide a lot of energy for the Warriors in the paint. As I mentioned in the question above, the Warriors have an energy monster of their own in Tristen Thompson, so JaVale needs to hold his own on the glass and protect the rim. If he is able to log valuable minutes for the Dubs, he could prove to be the difference.
6. Who needs this more, Cleveland or Golden State?
Sam Esfandiari
Golden State. Losing last year and signing Kevin Durant puts a lot of pressure on the Warriors. LeBron’s prime is slowly coming to a close but if he loses to this Golden State, he won’t be that heavily criticized. If Golden State loses after signing Kevin Durant? Might have to disconnect ESPN for the summer.
Jordan Ramirez
Warriors. Cleveland got their title. They had their summer. They had their season of pettiness and celebration. The Warriors need to redeem the worst collapse in NBA history with their shiny new toy.
Andy Liu
GSW. Cleveland doesn’t need to win any more titles given they are massive underdogs despite those that are saying LeBron > MJ and Kyrie > Steph and that KD is soft.
Sheed Malek
Golden State.
Alex Torres
After the way things ended last year, I have to say the Warriors. I hate to say this, but when you blow a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals, the only way to get that taste out of your mouth is to get revenge and this exactly what the Warriors can do by beating the Cavs in this series.
7. Who wins this series and how many games?
Sam Esfandiari
Golden State in 6. I think Cleveland will come out strong but as the Warriors settle, their talent should take over.
Jordan Ramirez
Warriors in 4. I’m here for history.
Andy Liu
GSW in 4.
Sheed Malek
Warriors in 6.
Alex Torres
Warriors in 6. Not only do they have the motivation, but I believe they simply have the better team. Both teams are experience, but only one added Kevin Durant in the off-season. The Warriors have too much fire power, but what people don’t mention is their effectiveness on the defensive end and that will be the difference. Making the right stops at the right time. The Larry O’Brien Trophy is coming back to the Bay Area.