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Shaquille O’Neal Makes Eastern Conference Finals Prediction

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Rosenblum | Last updated May 3, 2025 2:17 PM ET

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has once again stirred the basketball world with a bold prediction on his popular show, "The Big Podcast With Shaq", in collaboration with DraftKings.

O'Neal shared his insights on which teams he believes will make it to the Eastern Conference Finals, captivating fans and analysts alike with his foresight.

Known for his larger-than-life personality and Hall of Fame career, O'Neal’s predictions carry weight, especially given his deep understanding of the game.

"I'm gonna go with Boston and Cleveland since both teams are playing so well," O'Neal stated in response to Adam Lefkoe asking him which teams he thinks will get there.

O'Neal significantly praising both the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers without hesitation underscores how highly he thinks of the two juggernauts, who both eclipsed the 60-win mark in their 2024-2025 campaigns.

When later asked if he was confident in any teams in the Western Conference, O'Neal bluntly stated "Not yet."

O'Neal's stark admission is a bit shocking considering the firepower the Western Conference has displayed this year, boasting a mind-boggling six teams who reached the 50-win mark in the regular season.

With both the Celtics and Cavaliers set to clash against inferior opponents in the second round of the NBA Playoffs, O'Neal's prediction is just eight wins away from standing true.

O'Neal's partnership with DraftKings adds another layer of excitement, as fans can engage with his predictions.

Whether you agree with O'Neal or not, his bold takes continue to fuel discussions as the race to the NBA Finals intensifies.

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

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