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We’re just hours away from Game 1 of the NBA Finals and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is ready to lock in his prediction.
On Thursday’s edition of First Take, Stephen A., Udonis Haslem, Molly Qerim and Andraya Carter all weighed in on who would take home the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.
Smith and Carter were in lockstep, taking the Dallas Mavericks to win in six, while Haslem is taking them in seven.
“I got the Mavs, in six, in Dallas…” Stephen A. said. “And I’m gonna have to go with Luka (Doncic for Finals MVP). I think Kyrie (Irving) will warrant consideration.”
Only Qerim had the bravery to take the Boston Celtics at all, who she has winning in six.
NBA Finals picks:@ThisIsUD: Mavs in 7@stephenasmith: Mavs in 6@MollyQerim: Celtics in 6@Andraya_Carter: Mavs in 6 pic.twitter.com/ay96iZyGEi
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 6, 2024
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The Boston Celtics rolled through the Eastern Conference playoffs, losing only twice in their combined series against the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers.
The Dallas Mavericks, by contrast, had a much tougher road, dropping five games in their road to the finals against the Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves in order to get here.
Both teams have no shortage of starpower.
The Celtics have Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis and Jayson Tatum along with plenty of depth. Meanwhile, the Mavs have arguably the best player in the series with Luka Doncic along with Kyrie Irving.
Who will emerge victorious?