2013 NBA Finals Preview
Power Forwards/Centers: Duncan/Splitter vs. Bosh/Anderson This is a bit tricky as neither team really has a true center. Bosh and Duncan are both power forwards who end up in the middle. In a lot of ways this is potentially the most compelling possible matchup. I say possible because Tiago Splitter might start the game at center versus Bosh, but its likely that these two versatile big men will cross paths. The thing about this matchup is that Duncan is almost literally the player that Bosh was supposed to ultimately be in some regards, an inside outside big man mixing equal parts finesse and strength. Boshs role in Miami has changed that perception a bit, but Bosh has all the tools to go head to head against Duncan whose Hall of Fame career seems to have gotten a second wind. Bosh will more than likely bring Duncan out of the paint which will make interior defense on a consistent basis troublesome for the Spurs. Duncan cant afford to let Bosh wander as he is a threat from just about everywhere on the floor. What really will factor in is which Bosh will show up in the series, the Bosh that wants to settle for jump shots or the Bosh that will work in the post and hit the boards. Duncan should make a mockery of Miamis interior defense, his ability to move with or without the ball is unmatched which makes him nearly impossible to guard in pick and roll situations. Everything about the way Miami plays defense inside screams foul trouble in terms of dealing with Duncan, and frankly Miami doesnt have the depth in the front court to not be concerned with that. Tiago Splitter and Chris Anderson are both big additions to their teams, with Anderson being a bit more of a factor on both sides of floor. At 611 the Brazilian Splitter isnt exactly an ideal center either so there will likely be any number of combinations down low. Splitter is, however, a threat from the outside so there lies an advantage in terms of keeping Anderson off the glass. Both teams get deep threats from multiple positions which will limit them in terms of help defense, something both teams rely on in terms of getting out in transition.