B/R Staff Predictions: Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors 2022 NBA Finals

The Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors enter the 2022 NBA Finals as two of the most decorated teams in league history.

Boston is looking for its 18th title—the one that will put it over the Los Angeles Lakers (17) for most all-time.

The Warriors are seeking No. 7—the one that will put them over the Chicago Bulls (6) for sole possession of the No. 3 spot.

With implications of historic proportion on the line, Bleacher Report asked our NBA experts to predict who walks away with the Larry O'Brien Trophy and which star earns this year's Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award.

Celtics Have Been Good vs. Kerr's Warriors

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 16: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics shakes hands with Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors after the game on MARCH 16, 2022 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

There are a number of reasons Boston is the only team in the NBA with a winning record against the Steve Kerr-coached Warriors.

Defensively, the Celtics match up better than others because of their ability to switch with length and/or good lateral quickness at every position. Golden State is used to opponents matchup-hunting Stephen Curry, but Boston's bevy of playmakers will make hiding him a lot harder.

Curry the shooter will be a tough cover as always, but no one gives him more fits as a defender than Marcus Smart.

Champion: Boston Celtics

Finals MVP: Jayson Tatum

—A. Sherrod Blakely

Warriors Have a Slight Edge

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 16: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors talks with Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics prior to the game on March 16, 2022 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Celtics have been the best team in the league since January, and they're the scariest postseason defense the Warriors have ever seen.

This one is going seven, but Golden State has a small edge on offense and perhaps an even more meaningful advantage in the experience category. Home-court advantage doesn't hurt, either.

Whether Stephen Curry racks up 40-point nights or not, his gravity will open up opportunities for his teammates. He is always the Warriors' most impactful player. Plus, he's due. Finals MVP is basically the only honor he's never won.

Champion: Golden State Warriors

Finals MVP: Stephen Curry

—Grant Hughes

Stephen Curry Is Due

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 26: TNT Analyst, Ernie Johnson interviews Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors after winning the Earvin Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP award after Game 5 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals on May 26, 2022 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Stephen Curry finally puts the last feather in his Hall of Fame cap, winning his first Finals MVP in his sixth championship series.

The Warriors have the firepower to take down an equally talented Celtics squad, with their experience ultimately deciding the series.

Golden State's dynasty lives on, even without Kevin Durant.

Champion: Golden State Warriors

Finals MVP: Stephen Curry

—Greg Swartz

Celtics Have the Defense...and the Firepower to Win

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BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum #0 look on during Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals on May 23, 2022 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

Boston is a fantastic defensive team with enough firepower to match Golden State.

The Warriors are also one of the best defensive teams in the league, but in their most potent scoring lineups Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole are defensive weak spots. Klay Thompson still isn’t quite himself yet defensively. The Warriors will struggle to find lineups that can score on and defend against Boston’s bigger wings. Marcus Smart is a pest. The potential return of Gary Payton II could make a difference.

The Celtics will best the Warriors in six tough games.

Champion: Boston Celtics

Finals MVP: Jayson Tatum

—Eric Pincus

Warriors Have More Answers Than Celtics

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors guards Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics in the first quarter at Chase Center on March 16, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Though this series should be a defensive masterpiece, the Warriors feel like they'll have more answers for the Celtics than vice versa.

Boston's half-court offense has devolved too many times throughout the playoffs when it has leads and in fourth quarters, and Golden State's avalanche of off-ball movement should take its toll on a defense currently featuring a banged-up Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III.

Champion: Golden State Warriors

Finals MVP: Stephen Curry

—Dan Favale

Health Is a Key Factor

Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Marcus Smart #36 hi-fives Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics during Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals on May 27, 2022 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

A fully healthy Boston squad could beat Golden State. In fact, the Celtics might even be the smart pick in that scenario. The versatility to play big (with Al Horford and Robert Williams III) or positionless (thanks to the switchability of Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum) should allow them to counterpunch with the Warriors as well as anyone.

Smart and Williams being hampered is no small thing, though.

Boston has the NBA's best defense, but those two players are arguably the keys. More minutes for Payton Pritchard or Grant Williams gives Golden State more targets to attack.

Oh, and Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have a little more experience on this stage than the Celtics.

Champion: Golden State Warriors

Finals MVP: Stephen Curry

—Andy Bailey

Time to Double Down on the Celtics

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MIAMI, FL - MAY 29: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics talks to the media after Game 7 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals on May 29, 2022 at the FTX Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

It’s difficult to bet against Stephen Curry and Draymond Green and the championship pedigree throughout the Warriors organization, but Boston has the defensive firepower and star scoring to compete with Golden State as well as anyone.

I’ve been touting the Celtics as the best team in the league since late February. It’s time to double down.

Jayson Tatum Finals MVP. Celtics in six.

Champion: Boston Celtics

Finals MVP: Jayson Tatum

—Jake Fischer

Final Tally

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 26: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after Game 5 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals on March 26, 2022 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Champion

Golden State Warriors: 4

Boston Celtics: 3

Finals MVP

Stephen Curry: 4

Jayson Tatum: 3