NBA Finals Predictions

NBA Finals Predictions

We have completed all but one series in the 2024 NBA playoffs and it is time to crown a champion. Who will be hoisting the Larry O’Brian?

Boston Celtics

The Celtics are under a good bit of pressure. Going 64-18, dominating the Eastern Conference, and having one of the best lineups we’ve seen in a long time, they have to win this or there will be some conversations about the core. Boston completed their first sweep of the playoffs in a ‘close’ 4-0 series vs the Pacers. In almost every game, the Pacers had a lead and just let it slip away. Some people will argue that they are not ready for Dallas because they have an easy path. Yes, it has been easy, but they earned that spot. They had the best record on the season by a lot, allowing them to play worse teams. Also, why be mad at them? they play whoever is in front of them and they have done that and are 12-2 so far this postseason. I do think their fortune relies on how healthy Kristapos Porzingus will be. As of right now, he is set to play but he says he does not feel 100%. I do want Boston to win and I think they can do just that if they stick to what works. Tatum needs to play as the 6’8 forward he is and not just side step 3’s non-stop. JB needs to continue to be aggressive in transition and Jrue will need to be aggressive in the paint.

Mavericks

Oh my goodness. Dallas just embarrassed the seemingly unbeatable Wolves in just 5 games. Luka continues to prove why he is a top 5 player right now and why he could go down as one of the best players in NBA history. kyrie was not as great as he was in the 2nd round or 1st round but he was still very impactful. But the person who surprised me was Dereck Lively. He shot 100% over the ENTIRE SERIES. That is absurd. He was also part of the pair with Daniel Gafford that made driving to the paint a living hell for Anthony Edwards. The defense the Mavericks have created is so interesting and amazing to see the funnel they have they force people to try and score on the “twin towers” down low. One concern I do have is the spacing when Gafford and Lively are on the floor. If PJ Washington and Derrick Jones Jr are not hitting their 3’s it could get very bad very quickly for Dallas. I do think they also can win if Luka is consistent and the role players hit their open shots. One thing I want more than anything is a Luka who just hoops. What I mean by that is that I do not want him to complain to the refs every single time anything happens. I want you to watch him even if the ball isn’t in his hands, and every time he drives or a foul is called on the Mavs, he throws his arms up in a whining manner. It is just so annoying to watch non-stop.

Official Pick

In my completely unbiased opinion, I do think Boston wins in a tough series. Although it 100% could be another surprise and the Mavs could obliterate them. My reason for kicking Boston mainly relies on one man, Kristaps Porzingis. If he is healthy, he can pull the big man for Dallas out whether that be Gafford or Lively. Doing so opens up the paint for Jaylen, Jayson, Jrue, and Derrick White. The opened-up paint is something that Rudy Gibert could not offer for the T-Wolves which is something that Dallas took major advantage of. If Porzingis is healthy and able to shoot 3’s and play above-average defense like he has all year, Boston should win. For Dallas to win, they are going to have to attack everyone. All of Boston’s players are good defenders and will be hard to beat over and over. What they need to do is get Lively on smaller guys who he can just go up over. Also, Luka is going to have to be more consistent than he was at some point this postseason. Kyrie needs to be good at more times. he isn’t bad by any means, but a lot of times he waits until the 2nd half to be aggressive which is not gonna work against an elite lineup on both sides of the ball in Boston. I do hope this series goes the distance and I hope it isn’t a ton of blowouts. A hard, tough, and physical 7 games is what I want as a neutral fan.

Official Pick: Boston Celtics in 7 Games.