Kendrick Perkins, former center for the Boston Celtics, insists that despite the Thunder's recent shift in betting odds, Boston remains the championship favorite. Oklahoma City holds the best NBA record but Perkins believes that if the two teams met in the finals, it would be a competitive series. He emphasized the Celtics' depth and experience as vital factors for success in playoff scenarios. Udonis Haslem, a long-time opponent of the Celtics, echoed Perkins’s sentiment, highlighting the Celtics' strength heading into the postseason.
"Absolutely not," Perkins replied when asked if he saw the Thunder as the new favorites. Still, he acknowledged that Oklahoma City are very close to the Celtics' level.
"Look, if they were to matchup in the finals, I think that series would go seven games. I really do," said Perkins. "I think [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander] is just that damn special. But again, when you look at the starting five of the Boston Celtics, [there's] no drop-off, offensively, defensively."
"I think experience kicks in," Perkins said of the pressure that accompanies trying to win in the playoffs. "Your first time in the NBA Finals, you could be overwhelmed by all of the attention, the excitement, the focus being on you."
"I'll never be on your side all day, but I'm going to start the day off on your side right now," joked Haslem. "At the end of the day, it’s going to be interesting to see how this playoff unfolds."
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