NBA legend and Hall of Famer, Shaquille O’Neal, is confident in the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors to make a decent run in the playoffs. Both teams are stuck in the Play-In bracket. With the current standings, the Dubs will be facing the Lakers in the Play-In for the eighth seed. The winner will then play versus the loser of the Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns game, for the final eighth seed.
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Looking at both teams’ struggles, it is tough to say whether either of them would survive the first round. However, there seems to be one outfit that won’t get an easy win versus the men in purple or the Dubs. Shaquille O’Neal believes that the Oklahoma City Thunder might be less of a threat for the two teams.
The team led by Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren is more than just a playoff team. A well-balanced squad with reliable scorers and shooters, the Thunders have done a great job rebuilding their roster. Compared to the Warriors and the Lakers, OKC is more than ready to take on any team in the playoffs.
Shaquille O’Neal emphasizes on experience
Stephen Curry and LeBron James are the most experienced set of players when it comes to the postseason, and that is exactly what O’Neal looks to rely on in his prediction. The two have met in the Finals four times and have also competed in the Conference Semi-Finals. Golden State hasn’t been so stable without Curry, while also lacking size in the paint. The Lakers, on the other hand, have been playing quite decently, maintaining their record.
It’s tough to say whether either of them have a chance against the Thunder. Having Steph or James on the team, the series will definitely stretch to five or six games. However, if one looks at the statistics, the leading scorer, SGA, has two playoff appearances, while the others have never played in the postseason. This fact does become a major factor when playing against Curry or James.
Also, even though Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led the Thunder this season and has been a terrific scorer, his postseason averages are quite low compared to opposing leaders like LeBron and Steph. The 25-year-old will have to play the same role he has been playing all season long, to ensure a win against the said teams. Each team has its way of getting the job done in the playoffs.
The Warriors and the Lakers are a bigger threat once they find their rhythm. With all things considered, a first-round series against the Thunder would be worth watching, be it the Warriors or the Lakers on the other end.