Charles Barkley 'Guarantees' Winner of Eastern Conference Finals

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 9:58 PM ET

We are down to the final few weeks of the 2024-25 NBA season, and the playoff race is starting to take form. And Charles Barkley already has a lock to make the NBA Finals.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Oklahoma City Thunder have been the top two teams in the league with the best records in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference, respectively.

But other teams have started to make noise following the trade deadline, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, who acquired Luka Doncic and Jimmy Butler, respectively.

On Thursday night, Jayson Tatum and the defending champion Boston Celtics hosted the Philadelphia 76ers, who were without their three stars (Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George). TNT broadcast the game and aired its popular show, "Inside the NBA," during the breaks.

During the show, TNT analyst Charles Barkley, joined by Shaquille O'Neal, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny "The Jet" Smith, discussed some of the top teams in the league. When the Cavaliers were brought up, Barkley didn't hesitate to predict they will win the Eastern Conference Finals.

"Man, the Cleveland Cavaliers are going to the finals," Barkley said. "The Celtics, that's going to be a great series if they play the Celtics. But right now, I'm telling y'all, and I told you to book it last week. The Cleveland Cavaliers are going to the NBA Finals."

Barkley proceeded to comment that he is guaranteeing this prediction.

"The Cleveland Cavaliers are going to The Finals" ️

Chuck guarantees it ✅ pic.twitter.com/GEKQR1BcN2
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 7, 2025

The Cavaliers were the only team in the NBA to have three players in the All-Star game. Donovan Mitchell was joined by first-time All-Star Evan Mobley and second-timer Darius Garland.

Cleveland has proven to be a force on offense. Led by Mitchell and Garland, it is averaging 123.1 points per game this season, first in the NBA. The Cavs' defense is nothing to ignore either, with Mobley and Jarrett Allen proven as capable rim protectors.

The Cavaliers have become the first team to secure a spot in the postseason. Now, they have their sights set on the No. 1 seed.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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