Magic Johnson tabs his front-runner for the NBA championship

LOS ANGELES — With almost half of the NBA regular season left to play, Magic Johnson is projecting a Larry O’Brien Trophy winner: the Golden State Warriors.

Johnson told Paste BN Sports he thinks the Warriors will beat the Cleveland Cavaliers for the NBA championship in what would be the third year in a row year the two teams faced off in the Finals. Golden State won in 2015 and Cleveland won last year.

“Golden State is the favorite. It’s going to be hard to beat them,’’ Johnson told Paste BN Sports on Thursday. “I think it’s still going to be an incredible series.

“We just can’t give it to Golden State because they’re going to have to beat Cleveland. Because Cleveland is awesome, you know? But I’ve got to favor Golden State right now.’’

Golden State is 44-8, the best record in the league, and Cleveland is 36-16.

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The addition of Kevin Durant to Golden State, Johnson said, “adds a whole new dimension to their team.’’ But he also said the eventual return of Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith, who’s recovering from a broken thumb, could have an impact on which team wins it all.

“When J.R. Smith comes back, they’ll have all their horses, and I think they’ll be a really good team,’’ Johnson said of the Cavs. “But I know Golden State. They’re mad, they’re upset that they didn’t win (the NBA title) last season."