With the NBA playoffs just days away, it’s that time of year for Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal to make their predictions.
On a lot of matters, they seemed to agree. But when it came to deciding who would win between the Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat, they stood on opposing sides, even going so far also to make a bet live on the air.
Barkley: “If the Miami Heat play the Brooklyn Nets, the Brooklyn Nets would beat them.”
Shaq: “Bet it. If you lose your bet, I get to babysit your grandson for 30 minutes.”
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As a guy who won a Championship in Miami, Shaq is undeniably biased in this discussion. He sticks up for the Heat whenever he can, and it’s no surprise he is picking them to advance far into the playoff bracket.
Still, the Heat are a solid choice to dominate these playoffs. Just two years removed from their Finals run, they finished this season as the top seed in the East, going 53-29. With Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and others, they have the talent and experience to beat anyone that stands in their way.
In Brooklyn, the Nets still have title aspirations in the aftermath of James Harden’s departure. A healthy Kevin Durant and full-time Kyrie Irving make for an offensive duo that can be overwhelming at times.
In fact, based on the words of Stephen A. Smith, only the Milwaukee Bucks should be capable of beating them.
“[Nets need] to beat everyone in the playoffs with the exception of the Milwaukee Bucks,” said Stephen A. “That is the only team, as far as I’m concerned you have an excuse to lose to. If you get out of the first round, you advance to the second round and you obliterate the Philadelphia 76ers. But you run into the reigning, defending NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks and you lose late in the Eastern Conference Finals, like a 6 or 7 game series, that would still suffice somewhat as a successful season considering all the drama and dysfunctional and the unavailability of Ben Simmons. If Ben Simmons is there, there’s no excuse.”
There are plenty of contenders in the East this season. The 76ers, Celtics, Bulls, and Raptors can all surprise some people if they play at their best.
But for any East team looking to capture the title, the Nets and Heat are sure to be standing in their way. And if they happen to meet at some point in these playoffs, you can bet the whole world (including Barkley and O’Neal) will be watching.
