The 2022 NBA Finals will begin on Thursday night, and while Steph Curry and the Warriors enter the series as favorites to win a fourth championship in the last eight years, the Boston Celtics should pose the toughest test Golden State has faced this postseason.
The Warriors and Celtics split the two-game regular-season series with each team winning on the road. Golden State is 9-0 at home during this postseason, though, and has fewer health concerns entering the series.
The Celtics also enter the finals less rested after surviving a seven-game series against Jimmy Butler’s Heat in the Eastern Conference finals.
Ahead of Game 1 on Thursday night at the Chase Center, members of USA TODAY’s NBA Wires staff made predictions for the series and identified the X-factor that could swing the momentum for either side.
Tommy Call, Warriors Wire editor: Warriors in 5
Series X-factor: Although the term championship DNA might sound cliche, it has rang true for the Warriors throughout their postseason run. The Warriors are rested and have been in this situation before. Their experience paired with the offensive arsenal to weather the Celtics’ stingy defense gives Golden State the advantage.
Justin Quinn, Celtics Wire editor: Celtics in 7
Series X-factor: Health. The situation looks better for Boston with more time between games and a break between series, but even with Marcus Smart exiting the injury report, the durability of his lower extremities and the capabilities of teammate Robert Williams III could loom especially large.
Ben DuBose, Rockets Wire editor: Celtics in 6
Series X-factor: Boston has been the NBA’s best team since late January, and their tough, switchable defense brings back memories of the 2018 Rockets, who had Golden State on the ropes until Chris Paul’s injury. Assuming better health, these Celtics should be able to finish the…
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