Lineup

NBA PREVIEW

42 LeBron James

How far the Cavs go depends on how well he helps his wingmen

By Lee Jenkins

52 Kawhi Leonard

The reigning Finals MVP is ready to assume the mantle from the Big Three

By Chris Mannix

58 5-Minute Guide

Hardware, milestones and which teams to watch (and not watch)

By Chris Mannix

62 Scouting Reports

The landscape has shifted radically, but the Spurs, with 14 players back, will rule again

Features

WORLD SERIES

26 Royals vs. Giants

Two teams that play small ball are primed for big moments

By Tom Verducci

• KANSAS CITY'S SPEEDY STRATEGY

PRO FOOTBALL

34 The Art of Punting

Say goodbye to the coffin corner and hello to the banana kick

By Austin Murphy

LONGFORM

102 Arvydas and Domas Sabonis

An international recruiting saga, in two parts

By Luke Winn

Departments

2 SI Digital

4 Leading Off

11 Inbox

13 Scorecard

18 Faces in the Crowd

20 Just My Type

Dan Patrick: Aaron Rodgers wants everyone to relax

112 Point After

Michael Rosenberg: What celebrity fans can teach us

SI HAS REGIONAL COVERS THIS WEEK: AL TIELEMANS/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (CAVALIERS); PETER G. AIKEN/USA TODAY SPORTS (ROYALS)

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PHOTOGRAPH BY D. CLARKE EVANS/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

FINALS ANALYSIS Joakim Noah and the Bulls will face Tim Duncan's Spurs for the NBA championship.

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