2012-13 NBA Finals - (1) Miami vs (2) San Antonio

James and Duncan chat in '07 after the Spurs sweep the Cavs.

The Miami Heat are fresh off of a 7-game, 12-round, 13-inning series against the Indiana Pacers. Not only was it long, but grueling both mentally and physically. They're battered, but battle-tested and ready to seize the opportunity of a life-time.

The Spurs are coming off of a 9-day layoff after dismantling the Memphis Grizzlies precisely and tactically. They're well-rested, well-prepared and they've beaten Lebron James in the NBA Finals before.

But Lebron is a different player now. Not to mention he's playing alongside one of the best 2-guards to play the game in Dwyane Wade and the versatile Chris Bosh. They've been here before and they've come out victorious.

But so have the Spurs. 4 times actually; and this core group has never lost. They're all about capitalizing on moments like this. With Tim Duncan at 37 years young, it could very well be his last shot at claiming one more ring to cement him as the greatest power-forward of all-time.

Wouldn't the Spurs love to send him off that way? And wouldn't Lebron hate to never get another shot at Tim and this era of the Spurs in the finals?

Buckle up.

Keys to Victory – Turnovers
Both Miami and San Antonio are extremely efficiency clubs. They're both smart, well-coached and have great ball handlers. Miami thrives off the turnover and San Antonio doesn't give up the ball freely. That means that turnovers will be huge in impacting this series.

X-Factor – Greg Popovich
If there's one coach who can come up with a strategy to subdue the 4-time MVP, it's Greg Popovich. Lebron has one of, if not the highest basketball IQ in the league -- and he's on the floor. Popovich is the maestro that has to orchestrate a strategy to best limit what the Heat's big 3 will do. They have the personnel. Can they deliver the goods?

Prediction – Miami in 7
It's fitting that this was easily the most difficult series to pick thus far this playoffs. Miami's ability to cause turnovers and defensive havoc should give the Spurs all they can handle. The Spurs style of play is one that keeps defenses on their heels, regardless of athletic prowess.

But I believe that when a driven individual is scorned, he never forgets. And the energy, effort and will power that is the result of that memory can have significant impact on the outcome of a confrontation -- especially on a basketball court.

We're in for a good one.