Inside the NBA analyst predicts the Cavs to win the NBA championship

BOSTON — The Cavs are in Boston for a rematch of the Eastern Conference semifinals with the Celtics at TD Garden on TNT. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. Eastern. Ahead of the contest, Inside the NBA analyst and NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal predicted that the Cavs could win the NBA championship this year after dethroning the Celtics. “When I look at Cleveland right now, I see that they’re together,” O’Neal said. “If they could just formulate this and keep it going, keep moving the ball like they are. I like them to beat Boston in the Eastern Conference final and possibly be champions.” The Cavs are off to a historic 15-0 start, only the fourth team in NBA history to accomplish the feat. This contest marks just the fourth time a defending champion will face a team on a winning streak of this magnitude. Cleveland’s blazing 15-0 start is tied for the second-best in NBA history, trailing only the 24-0 Warriors in 2015-16. Boston, coming off a banner year, has the rings, the hardware, and the home crowd. But Cleveland has something to ascertain. O’Neal is buying into the Cleveland hype against the Celtics, confidently predicting, “Cavs by 10.” Charles Barkley, Naismith Hall of Famer, jumped in on the fun with O’Neal as they jokingly bet each other two million dollars on the outcome of the game. If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the National Council on Program Gambling Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700 or visit 1800gambler.net for more information. 21+ and present in Ohio. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.