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NBA Finals Schedule 2012: Complete Guide to Heat vs. Thunder Game 1

Alex Kay

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat are traveling to Oklahoma City to take on Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and the Thunder in the NBA Finals.

It should be the start of what will be nothing less than an absolutely epic clash between two of the best teams in the league.

Keep reading to find out what you need to know about Game 1 of this exciting series that has so much riding on it for both sides.

Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City

When: Tuesday, June 12 at 9:00 p.m. ET

Watch: ABC

Line: Thunder -5, Over/Under 195.5

Most Important Player to Watch: Russell Westbrook

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The Heat had a lot of trouble dealing with Rajon Rondo in the Eastern Conference Finals and they will definitely have their hands full trying to contain Westbrook in the Finals.

He’s just as athletic as Rondo and a skilled finisher around the hoop. He possesses a better mid-range game and can hit the three-ball when he’s open to boot.

Miami was able to somewhat limit the damage Rondo did by sagging off, but they will not have that luxury in this series.

It will be interesting to see how what coach Erik Spoelstra cooks up in an attempt to slow down the Thunder PG.

Most Intriguing Matchup: Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James

These two megastars will be meeting in what could be the first of many NBA Finals matchups. Neither has a championship yet, but one will emerge from this seven-game series with a ring.

They should see plenty of one another throughout the course of the game, since they will likely be guarding each other a majority of the time.

Whoever can do the better job of limiting the offensive effectiveness of their rival will give their team a huge advantage.  

Final Prediction

Thunder 100 – Heat 96

2012 NBA Finals Television Schedule

Date Venue Time Network
Game 1 Tues., June 12 at Oklahoma City 9 p.m. ABC
Game 2 Thurs., June 14 at Oklahoma City 9 p.m. ABC
Game 3 Sun., June 17 at Miami 8 p.m. ABC
Game 4 Tues., June 19 at Miami 9 p.m. ABC
Game 5* Thurs., June 21 at Miami 9 p.m. ABC
Game 6* Sun., June 24 at Oklahoma City 8 p.m. ABC
Game 7* Tues., June 26 at Oklahoma City 9 p.m. ABC


   

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