NBA Playoffs: Ranking Cavs Possible Finals Foes

Feb 28, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle (L) talks to guard Rajon Rondo (9) against the Brooklyn Nets at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

8. Dallas Mavericks

Record: 45 – 25

Current Western Conference Seed: 6th

Biggest Strength: Starting 5

Biggest Weakness: Cohesion/Depth

Trouble for Cavs: With two penetrating guards in Rajon Rondo and Monta Ellis, the Mavs could give Irving and Smith some trouble on the defensive end. If the Cavs have to collapse on penetration it leaves things open for shooters Dirk Nowitzki and Chandler Parsons as well as lobs to Tyson Chandler.

Cavs Edge: While Dallas has struggled to come together with the addition of Rondo, the Cavs have figured out how to mesh quickly. The Cavs have players who know their role and play it very well. Mozgov compliments Love, Smith can play off of Irving and James, who can play off of each other. The Cavs ability to play together as one unit will allow them to find mismatches on offense and switch to specific defensive responsibilities on the other end of the floor.

Finals Preview: Besides Chandler, and sometimes Rondo, the Mavs defense is suspect. The Cavs will look to pound Rondo, Ellis and Parsons in the paint while using Mozgov to help against dribble penetration on defense. A slowed down game, grinding for possessions would be highlighted by the two best shooting forwards every to play the game in Dirk and Kevin Love.

Next: Portland Trailblazers