NBA legend Barkley has some bad news for Celtics ahead of Lakers clash

The Boston Celtics are used to outside noise, but when Charles Barkley makes a prediction, you can’t just brush it off – especially when it’s about you.

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Who is Barkley’s Eastern pick?

During Thursday night’s NBA on TNT, Barkley laid out his pick for the Eastern Conference Finals, and Celtics fans aren’t going to like it.

Barkley is backing the Cleveland Cavaliers, not Boston, to reach the NBA Finals, confidently predicting they’ll take down the defending champs along the way. “The Cleveland Cavaliers are going to the Finals,” Barkley said. “Book it.”

It’s not just talk. Cleveland owns the league’s best record at 52-10 and already locked up a playoff spot.

Boston, sitting at 44-18, isn’t used to being anyone’s underdog. The Celtics eliminated Cleveland in five games last year, then rolled through the Pacers and Mavericks to win the title. But Barkley sees a different Cavs team this time, one with more confidence and a clearer path to the Finals.

Before they even get to the playoffs, Boston has the Lakers up next. But Barkley’s guarantee is out there now – and it’s one you won’t hear the Celtics forget anytime soon.

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