After two weeks of an intense series with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Boston Celtics progressed one step closer to the NBA Finals after the Sunday night game. Jayson Tatum and Co defeated 2023 MVP Joel Embiid‘s Sixers by a 4-3 tally and secured a spot in the Conference Finals. They will soon be facing the Miami Heat, who had eliminated the New York Knicks in Game 6. Ahead of Game 1, a former NBA star came forth with a Celtics vs Heat prediction that the NBA world was a little too skeptical to agree with.

The Boston Celtics have a lot to prove this year given the outcome of their disastrous finals in the previous season. The Celtics were only one game away from lifting their first championship title in over a decade. Unfortunately, their dreams were shattered on their home court when the Golden State Warriors emerged victorious instead.

Will Jayson Tatum’s Celtics lift the trophy?

The Boston Celtics will be facing Jimmy Butler‘s Miami Heat for Game 1 on Wednesday night. While fans await in anticipation, NBA veteran Jalen Rose gave his ‘verdict’ on the season’s winners just hours before the impending face-off. In a recent episode of NBA Today, Rose stated that the Celtics will be the ultimate winners of the 2023 season due to a couple of reasons.

In a short clip shared by the former Phoenix Suns player, he stated that Boston have the best guards. Rose was heard saying, “I believe the Celtics are not only the best team but they gonna win it all this year. I think they have the best foursome of guards in the entire league that not only make threes but they all each lock down defensively.”

After complimenting several Celtics stars including Jaylen Brown, Malcolm Brogdon and one of his favorite players, Marcus Smart, Rose declared that no one in the league would be able to match up to them.

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NBA fans react to Rose’s statement

While Rose might have stated his reasons for choosing the Celtics as the ultimate champions, there were several fans who just couldn’t see his point. One user mocked Rose and wrote, “Just like everybody picked the Warriors ? Lakers in 6”. Another fan wrote, “Celtics are consistently, inconsistent!!! ???????????.”

Take a look at a few more of the Instagram responses.

“Cant take this dude word he aint never right plus u gotta spray on hairline u always lying”

“Miami is about to spank them boys ? like they have everyone else”

“@jalenvseverybody?forgetting about the?@lakers ? that squad is big and they can all play defense”

“Jalen will jump ship again. Russell, Schroder, and Reaves are way better.”

“Naw Denver winning it all”

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Who are you rooting for this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!