Celtics or Warriors? Our writers share their NBA finals predictions

If Golden State play Warriors Basketball™ (the ball flies around like a hot potato, everyone eats), they can win this series pretty handily. They also have the luxury of a potential Steph Curry or Klay Thompson supernova on any given night, which is helpful. But if they play their brand of basketball, they don’t necessarily need one. CDL

If Golden State have proven one thing over the years, it’s that when they are healthy and play their style of basketball it’s hard enough to beat them in one game, let alone four. With three different players returning from injury for the finals, the health question is answered at least. TF

Stay healthy and keep their big three (Curry, Thompson, Draymond Green) out of the Covid-19 protocols? Honestly, if the well-rested Warriors play their style of basketball, exploit Boston’s mental weaknesses (see below) and prevent Jayson Tatum from having a finals performance for the ages, the Warriors should win their fourth title of the century. HF

The Warriors will win if they lean on their playoff experience and overwhelm the youthful Celtics. Curry, Green and Thompson have played in 82 NBA finals games combined. By comparison, the entire Boston team will be making their finals debut. Additionally, the Warriors are equipped with a high-octane offense that can ignite at any moment. Curry and Thompson will lead the way, but they’re close to unbeatable if Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins can also be explosive offensively. ARS

The Celtics got here thanks in large part to their defensive prowess. They’ve been the No 1 ranked defense in the league since the start of 2022. They’ll need to play the hardest-nosed version of that defense to topple an offensive juggernaut like the Warriors. CDL

Stay healthy.