Dealing with LeBron

Rick Carlisle promised an assortment of defenses for LeBron James today, but my suggestion to anybody watching the game is to watch carefully who starts out guarding the likely MVP and how that player covers LeBron when he uses screens on the pick-and-roll.

It might surprise you. It will also let you know who the Mavericks trust with important chores like this, although several players will eventually cover LeBron before the day is done.

And there will be double-teams, although I don't expect the Mavericks to start out with that strategy.

We'll be breaking down the matchups throughout the game, but keep your eye on LeBron when he has the ball and who's trying to make him work.

--Eddie Sefko