Last year’s NBA playoffs featured lots of drama, including injuries to superstars, blown series leads and a rematch of the NBA Finals contenders. Stephen Curry, Blake Griffin, and Chris Paul were among those forced to sit out with injuries and we all know what happened with the Thunder and the Warriors’ famous 3-1 series collapse. From Draymond Green’s suspension to Lebron’s mystifying block, the series went back and forth. The road to the 2016 NBA finals had twists and turns for both the Dubs and Cavs. But, in the end, the same matchup as the previous year awaits fans in the form of another Finals rematch.

This year, the playoffs have had a different theme for the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s been smooth sailing in their respective series, but the other series have been very close and heated. In the east, the Celtics were supposed to be the Cavs’ biggest threat as the number one seed. By the look of their current series, Boston might not even get out of round one. The Wizards and Raptors stand next in line behind the Celtics, and they haven’t been able to pull away from their matchups either. Meanwhile, the Cavs are sitting comfortable after a sweep of the Pacers. Not only do the Cavs now have extra rest, but they also have seemingly easier matchups awaiting them. So far in the first round, Boston, Washington and Toronto have had their flaws exposed on the offensive court as seen through poor shooting and turnovers. They are no longer the teams or threats they once were, and don’t have the strength to get past Cleveland. That only makes the Cavs’ road to the final easier.

For the Warriors, it’s almost an identical story. The Dubs are off to a 3-0 lead over the Blazers and are primed to complete the sweep in Portland. Surprisingly, they’re playing like they don’t need Kevin Durant fully healthy. The Clippers, who could possibly meet the Warriors in the next round, still have a tough matchup against Utah with Blake Griffin out and Rudy Gobert almost back to 100% healthy. Even though they’re tied 2-2, they could still lose the series; even if they win, their chances against the Dubs are greatly diminished by Griffin’s injury. The other two matchups feature two of the bigger threats to the Warriors in the West: the Rockets and the Spurs. Now, after four games in their respective series’, it’s necessary to reassess whether “threats” is a fair word to use anymore. The Rockets hold a 3-1 lead, and are in the better position between the two teams. But even that type of lead, as we’ve seen in the past, isn’t safe, especially when Russell Westbrook is on the opposing roster. Yet, the slim possibility of a surprise Thunder victory is not what makes the Rockets any worse of a team or lesser than they were before the postseason. Like the teams in the east, the Rockets have had their weaknesses exposed in their games against the Thunder. While only one game resulted in a loss, the Rockets have reinforced the fact that they are a subpar defensive team. The Warriors right now are carving up the Blazers mostly without Kevin Durant and have done so without showing much weakness. By the Western Conference Finals, Durant should come back healthy, and that spells trouble for Houston. They won’t be able to win by simply playing outstanding offense and subpar defense. James Harden and company will also have to play vastly improved defense with Kevin Durant at full-go.

The Spurs, like the Celtics in the east, have had their shortcomings revealed, but face an even bigger problem. San Antonio is tied 2-2 with the Grizzlies, and may not even make it past the first round. The one time favorite to replace the Dubs in the west is now possibly not even the favorite in its own first round series. As for the Dubs, they only have two weaknesses right now: an unhealthy Kevin Durant and coach Steve Kerr’s health issues. But as the superstar and coach return to their past form and 100% health, those weaknesses will become the team’s biggest strengths. Kerr’s health should be more impactful, however, as he is out for possibly the rest of the postseason. Missing the same coach, who sparked the rise of the Warriors, will be tough as the Dubs try to get another ring. But, for now, the Warriors are in good shape to get back to the Finals with Mike Brown at the helm. He has the pedigree to run a team with talent as we saw with the pre-2010 Cavs and the Lakers for a short stint during the Kobe era.

With what we’ve seen so far in the playoffs, a NBA Finals rematch of the last two years seems almost inevitable. A repeat result of last year’s Finals, however, could still be up for discussion. That’s at least good for Bay Area sports fans, who hope that Golden State can rebound from the trifecta of disappointments from last year, with the Sharks, Giants and, of course, the Dubs.