NBA Finals Prediction: Can LeBron Silence the Doubters?

The preeminent basketball league's second season is coming down to the wire and so far the playoffs have been about as entertaining as fans have seen since the late 90's.

Many NBA Finals predictions have been altered as contenders like the Lakers and Celtics have faltered. But which teams are now in the best position to make it all the way and win a title?

Miami is looking strong in the second round and despite their flaws and roster holes now seem like a good bet to make it to the Finals. Since Boston seems so lost without their most underrated player in Kendrick Perkins, the Heat are the pick here to represent the East in the Finals.

Chicago is a year away and needs to acquire another go-to scorer to go with Derrick Rose first.

In the West, LA has struggled against both New Orleans and Dallas. They are now down to the Mavs after dropping the first two of the series at the Staples Center and they need to get it together. Pau Gasol needs to step up, but he seems to have a hard time living up to the expectations this time around against a deep Dallas frontline.

The prediction here is that the Lakers are taken out by the Mavericks leading to a Oklahoma City vs. Dallas final in the West.

In that one, the Mavs have the experience edge and will grind out a close one, setting up a Heat vs. Mavs final.

It'll be Dirk vs. Wade yet again and last time around Wade got the better of the German superstar and his squad, winning MVP honors in 2006. Wade got some help from the refs but still played out of his mind in that series.

This time around it will be even closer but the Mavs will have a big edge in the post and will ride the hot hand of Dirk Nowitzki to the title in one of the biggest surprise title runs in recent years.

The Heat are tempting to pick as well but Dallas is just a more well-rounded team making them the NBA Finals prediction winner.

Disagree with this pick? Think LeBron will be too focused and motivated to lose if he makes it back to the Finals? Sound off in the comments section!