Warriors' Harrison Barnes: Returning to starting lineup

Barnes will start at small forward in Thursday's Game 1 against the Cavaliers, Scott Cacciola of the New York Times reports.

Analysis:

Barnes has been the Warriors' usual starter at the position throughout the regular season and postseason, but he hit the bench in favor of Andre Iguodala in Monday's all-important Game 7 battle with the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. The Warriors were able to come away with the victory thanks in part to Iguodala's strong defense, but coach Steve Kerr evidently still prefers to bring the versatile veteran off the bench. Though Barnes will be back in his usual role, it still seems likely that Iguodala, the team's top wing defender, will end up dominating most of the minutes at small forward in the NBA Finals as he tries to slow down Cavs star LeBron James.