The predictions for the NBA Finals have already started to come in! Following Jimmy Butler’s masterclass in game 7, the Miami Heat have sealed a final spot against the Denver Nuggets. The 33-year-old and his teammates have proved to be the underdogs this season. Beating all the odds in the Eastern Conference, the Heat have instilled hope into their fans. However, they still do not seem to have the favorable odds.

Phoenix Suns legend Charles Barkley and 4-time champion Shaquille O’Neal got into it as they went on choose their favorites. The two had had a verbal altercation a few months ago too, after Chuck decided to poke the big diesel with an insulting question. Yet again this time, things got a bit chippy, but for a different reason.?

Heat vs Nuggets leads to Charles Barkley vs Shaquille O’Neal

The Denver Nuggets have shown their dominance with a 4-0 sweep against the Los Angeles Lakers. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray have dropped big numbers in the postseason to ease past LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and several veterans. The scenario is the same with the Miami Heat.?Joint efforts from the Heat helped them beat the first-seed Milwaukee Bucks and the second-seed Boston Celtics. All things considered – the Nuggets will not underestimate the Heat. However, the 1993 MVP Charles Barkley might have done it.

After Heat’s game 7 win, Barkley shared, “Miami is not better than Celtics …the team that had more talent didn’t win the series.”?Further, the former Suns said, “Going forward with the Nuggets, they are not going to have these peaks and valleys. They are gonna play …they are going to win the championship.” Barkley sounded bold with his take. However, Shaq decided to give him a reality check.?

The former Laker said, “It’ll definitely be a tall task for the Miami Heat,?but you know you say they won by four or won by five. That concerns me.” When Barkley tried to interrupt things got a bit chippy. Shaq said, “No, no, if they are so mighty they would have won by 15-20 points. Four or five concerns this.” Shaq was indeed not on the same page as Barkley. Moreover, this was not the first-time things got heated between the two.?

What was the previous heated exchange between Barkley and Shaq??

Previously in the regular season, the crew discussed the Bucks’ 16-game win streak when Barkley decided to trigger Shaq. The 60-year-old questioned the big diesel’s longest win streak which he did not like. Shaq replied, “Longer than that, I’m a legend.”?Further, 51-year-old Shaq asked Barkley to check his police records when Chuck found his reply sensitive.?

Read more: ?Can We Compare You to Gayle King??: Days After Charles Barkley?s New Show, Shaquille O?Neal Addresses Intense Debate With Rockets Legend

Similarly, this time, things got a bit chippy. However, Shaq did not fail to share his take. The 2000 MVP said he will not count the Miami Heat out. Barkley and Shaq have surely chosen their sides!?

Watch this story: “As Jimmy Butler and Co. embark on massive feat, latest Heat update may worry Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets”

Which side have you chosen for the ultimate battle? Share your picks in the comments below!