The predictions continue to roll in for the 2022 NBA Finals between the Warriors and Boston Celtics.
Ahead of Game 1 of the series Thursday night from Chase Center, an anonymous NBA coach, scout and executive made their Finals predictions for "The Athletic."
The executive picked the Warriors to win, citing home-court advantage, the star power of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson and Golden State's transition offense as their path to a championship.
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The scout and coach, however, favor Boston -- just like a few notable analytic prognosticators.
“Size will be an issue in the Celtics’ favor," the scout wrote. "Kevon Looney was exceptional in the prior series for the Warriors and at times was the best player for them. I think Boston can certainly neutralize that, whether it’s Al Horford or Robert Williams III or even Grant Williams or even Daniel Theis. So I think the Celtics’ size is going to be a problem for the Warriors."
The anonymous coach called Golden State a "machine" but believes the Celtics' defense will be enough to win four Finals games.
“Boston’s defense is going to be good enough to be able to limit the easy buckets that Golden State generates," the coach said. "That’s what I’m considering. That’s the key to me. I think Boston will be able to take those points off the scoreboard.
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"So when you say, ‘Curry and Thompson get eight points on back cuts a game. They get the pin-in. They get the lob dunk.’ OK, they do get all that. But they get it on inferior defensive teams. And my rationale for picking Boston is they’re going to be more disciplined than to allow that to happen."
Bring it on.
Tune into "Warriors Live: Finals Edition" at 4:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC Sports Bay Area PLUS for a full preview of Game 1.