With one month remaining in the regular season, the Boston Celtics are set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in a highly anticipated matchup on Wednesday. Despite missing key players like Jalen Williams and Kristaps Porziņģis, this game could provide a glimpse of what a potential NBA Finals showdown between the two teams might look like.
Our writers discuss the intriguing aspects of a potential Celtics-Thunder Finals, including the contrasting styles of play, the importance of experience, and the strategic matchups that could unfold on the court. They also examine the obstacles that Boston might face on their path to the Finals, with a particular focus on the formidable Cleveland Cavaliers as a major hurdle to overcome.
As the regular season winds down, the excitement and anticipation for a potential Celtics-Thunder Finals continue to grow. Both teams possess unique strengths and challenges, making a potential championship matchup between them a thrilling prospect for NBA fans.
If Boston’s defense has to stretch its limits significantly, it will be because he gets it going concurrently with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.
Haberstroh: Cleveland is having its best regular season in Cavs history. Kenny Atkinson has the team playing like juggernauts on both ends of the floor. With home-court advantage, I’d pick the Cavs in seven.
What’s the biggest obstacle in OKC’s path to the Finals?
Jensen: The best player in basketball, Nikola Jokić, might present the biggest obstacle to the Thunder. Jokić is playing the best basketball of his career, averaging 29/13/10 and shooting nearly 58% from the field.
Additionally, Jamal Murray and Christian Braun are showing strong performances for the Nuggets, making them a formidable opponent. The Warriors, with Jimmy Butler on the team, have also improved significantly, posing a challenge to the Thunder.
Haberstroh: The Golden State Warriors could be a major obstacle for OKC. With Jimmy Butler in the lineup, the Warriors have reduced their turnovers, making them a more disciplined team. It will take a perfect performance from the Thunder to overcome the experienced and skilled Warriors.
Goodwill: The challenge for OKC could come from Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets, who has been dominating on the court. While the Lakers and Warriors may not be favored to defeat the Thunder, their collective efforts could pose a threat. In the West, it seems like a tough road for all teams.
Devine: The biggest obstacle for OKC could be Nikola Jokić of the Nuggets, who has proven to be a championship-caliber player. The Thunder will also have to watch out for the new-look Warriors and a potential return to form for LeBron James and the Lakers.
Celtics-Thunder Finals: Who wins?
Haberstroh: I’m picking the Thunder to win the Finals. OKC’s record-setting point differential and their offseason acquisitions make them a strong contender. While Boston could pose a threat with their shooting, the Thunder’s lineup flexibility gives them an edge.
Devine: I’m sticking with my preseason pick of the Thunder over Boston. OKC has been one of the most dominant regular-season teams, and their depth and confidence make them a formidable opponent.
Jensen: I believe the Thunder will come out on top in the Finals. The team is hitting their stride, with high confidence and depth. Despite Boston putting up a fight, OKC’s lineup changes have strengthened their chances.
Goodwill: I’m going with the Celtics to win the Finals. With experience, urgency, and talented players, Boston could prevail in a matchup against OKC. If it’s their last chance as a group, the Celtics may have what it takes to secure another championship.
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