NBA’s most compelling matchup No. 3: Miami Heat vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The third-most compelling matchup would include the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder, two teams that are somewhat similar in their construction. Both teams are fairly young, rising teams in their respective conferences, led by a couple of veteran forces to help stabilize their potential in the playoffs.
Can we get Chris Paul vs. Jimmy Butler seven times? This is a series that would almost certainly go the distance and could even have some interesting sub-plots. Remember when Danilo Gallinari didn’t want to sign a one-year extension with the Heat at the NBA Trade Deadline? Remember when the Heat reportedly refused to offer up what OKC wanted for Paul?
Both teams are fairly deep and this series would almost definitely come down to the second stars – Galo vs. Bam? Would it come down to coaching? If so, perhaps the Heat would have a slight edge. Without a true homecourt, though, anything could happen.
Miami likely wins, but this could prove to be one of the most competitive series of the first round.