Stephen A. Smith backs the NY Knicks to reach the NBA Finals. Ahead of the MSG clash between the Knicks and Boston Celtics, the ESPN crew went on air to debate the Big Apple team’s shot at the ring. The veteran analyst highlighted that if the team’s roster is back to its full strength, then it could reach the championship game. He added, “If the New York Knicks come back healthy, they’re going to the Conference Finals.” 

Notably, two star players of the Knicks, Julius Randle and OG Anunoby, are out with injuries. During the debate, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski dropped updates on both the stars. While OG has been cleared to return to the court, Randle seems to be in a bit of trouble. He added, “Concern this season about not just getting him back, but how effective can he be playing w/ that injured right shoulder.”

Even though Wojnarowski updated that Anunoby would return to the court, it’s not anytime soon. Right around the trade deadline period, the franchise announced that the star forward underwent elbow surgery to remove loose bone fragments. And the management also announced that he will be out for the next three weeks.

On the other hand, Julius Randle is currently recovering from a shoulder injury. The 29-year-old recently met the press and joked about his return. He said, “I think I’m planning on being back on the court April 1st, probably… Nah, I’m just kidding.” But he sure did assure that he has been working on his return.

Until then, the Knicks’ chance at the ring seems doubtful. However, tonight’s clash between the Celts and short-handed Knicks will prove the team’s potential.

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Let’s find out more about the team’s potential from the words of Stephen A. Smith.

Stephen A. Smith picks Knicks over mighty Celts

The Knicks turned into a lethal force in the East with a series of wins and reached their way to the top-3 seeds. While the Celtics have almost cemented their spot in the top seed, the Eastern Conference has become of battle to reach the second seed.

Speaking of that, A. Smith said, “The objective is to avoid Boston Celtics… If Julius Randle comes back healthy, if Mitchell Robinson comes back healthy, that’s my concern. It’s not anybody outside of Boston… It’s the New York Knicks’ health.” 

Who do you think will win tonight’s MSG classic? Will the Knicks sail their way out with a short-handed roster or succumb to the Celtics’ force? Let us know in the comments below.