- Scoreboard Page

The opening tip is just hours away and the national media has pulled a 180-degree shift in their views of this NBA Finals rematch.

Last year, we found 33 NBA experts that gave the Miami Heat a 23-10 edge. And they turned out to be correct. This year it’s no surprise that the San Antonio Spurs are a trendy pick, but it’s gone beyond that. The Spurs have a 29-14 lead among the 43 picks we found. Twice as many picking against a threepeat? That’s a surprise.

The picks

Scoreboard Page: Spurs in 6. We were so close to nailing our pick last year, so we’re repeating it. Same teams, same choice. This time, when the Heat fans leave Game 6 early, they won’t be turning around and begging to get back in, because it will really be over. So many people want the Heat to be the 1990s Bulls. Or better. Why can’t we just let them build their case for greatness without trying to vault LeBron past Jordan prematurely? The Heat’s legacy won’t be the same. It’s too late for that. Much like the Spurs dynasty can’t get two in a row, the Heat won’t threepeat. And that’s okay. It’s hard. Larry Bird didn’t do it. Magic Johnson didn’t do it. But they are still greats who led dynasties. Even the guy who trademarked the phrase in the 1980s – Pat Riley – is still looking for his first. Going to four Finals in a row is tough enough by itself. And talk about underappreciated: I’m picking the Spurs to win their fifth title since the “repeat the threepeat” Bulls broke up and most of this space was used on Miami.

Sports Illustrated

Lee Jenkins: Heat in 6

Phil Taylor: Spurs in 7

Ben Golliver: Spurs in 6

Rob Mahoney: Spurs in 6

Matt Dollinger: Spurs in 7

Chris Johnson: Heat in 6

More details

USA Today

Sam Amick: Spurs in 7

Jeff Zillgitt: Heat in 6

Kevin Spain: Spurs in 7