Hinata has always loved Naruto. She was the only one who actually stood up to Pain alongside Naruto, rather than just watching the battle from afar. Sakura just decided to lean on Naruto, as usual. Hinata is also so much kinder than Sakura and her personality would be a better match for Naruto's, in my opinion. Sakura is still, deep down, fawning over Sasuke. She said she was in love with someone else and thought of him when that random ninja fell in love with her. We also heard her think, at one point, about which one she'd save if Naruto and Sasuke were both in trouble. And as for that fake love confession - don't get me started on that! She's just despicable...

Furthermore, it is shown in the Pain arc that Naruto cares deeply for Hinata. He really flipped when he thought Pain killed her.