Stephen A. Smith gets way ahead of himself with Knicks-Celtics playoff prediction

ESPN analyst Stephen A Smith believes the New York Knicks could push the champion Boston Celtics to the brink of elimination in the postseason. Before the Knicks’ opening-round series against the Detroit Pistons, Smith is already predicting a New York victory before a potential Eastern Conference semifinal matchup against the defending champions.

Smith predicts the Knicks will eliminate the Pistons in seven games before pushing the Celtics to a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference semifinals, per ESPN’s First Take.

“I think the Knicks are going to play 14 playoff games this postseason,” Smith said. “It’s going to take them seven to take out Detroit. Then, they’re going to push the Boston Celtics to seven games. I can pray. Now, here’s the sad part: I have no basketball reason whatsoever to believe that they’re going to push the Boston Celtics to seven games. I just don’t see it.”

Perhaps an injured Celtics All-Star, Jaylen Brown, and the Knicks’ supporting cast are enough to push the champions to the edge, but it won’t be enough to win a best-of-7.

“Jaylen Brown, he’s going to get shots in his knee, or whatever, that’s what they’ve been reporting; his health might be compromised. That could potentially help the Knicks,” Smith added. “The Knicks don’t have the help. Jalen Brunson was out. So, because he was out for more than a month, that’s some rest right there. And Jalen Brunson’s going to show up. Karl-Anthony Towns can put up some buckets. OG Anunoby, I mean, he’s elevated his offensive repertoire, and we know what he can do defensively.

“And Mikal Bridges is a reliable force, and you know how I feel about the Energizer Bunny, Josh Hart. All I’m saying is this: that still ain’t enough to think they gonna beat the Boston Celtics.”

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