The Boston Celtics have been plowing through the league all regular season. The Celtics marched to the playoffs with a historic 64 wins and 18 losses, and from their first playoff game, it’s apparent that they’re going to the NBA Finals. In their first game today, Boston beat the Miami Heat by 20 points, 94-114, with all their players having at least one three-pointer, while Jayson Tatum led them with a 23-point triple-double.

Many are calling them favorites to win the title, including Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith. However, Shaquille O’Neal disagrees with both of them, sparking a spat among them in the latest ‘Inside the NBA’ episode. Chuck said,  “I’ll be totally, totally shocked if they (Celtics) don’t win the championship. You know, I look at Denver and the West, it’s the one team I think that can compete with them, but if the Boston Celtics don’t win the championship, it would be a total gag job.”

Shaq had a counterthought to Barkley’s claims, saying, “We know when they(Celtics) shoot the ball well, they’re hard to beat. But they have times where they don’t shoot the ball well and they settle, and they can be beat. And this is why I think they will not be the Champions.” While Chuck does agree to a degree with O’Neal, saying that the Celtics do depend on the three a lot and they can get ‘careless’ with the ball, there is one factor he thinks gives them an edge this year, when compared to the other times.

Can Jayson Tatum and Co. win the title?

To Barkley, having Jrue Holiday as the point guard instead of Marcus Smart is the key. Holiday can make that crucial decision not to give Tatum or Brown the ball and make the decision that both guys will respect. Aside from Barkley’s point, there are a few other factors to consider that might go in the Celtic’s favor.

One of those key reasons is the experience of both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Although their previous trip to the finals had been fruitless, it can easily be chalked up to inexperience. However, this time with a roster built to perfection, Boston may have a legitimate shot at the Larry O’Brien trophy.

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With Holiday not only as the primary floor general but also as defensive protection, their chances might increase. However, if the team faces the Denver Nuggets, that is a challenge in itself. During the two games they faced each other in the regular season, Denver won the battle.

But now, the question is if they can overcome the Nuggets. What do you feel lies ahead for Jayson Tatum and his team? Let us know in the comments.