Tang Tian's Tattoo (Second Update!)

After the East-West matchups were set, the media and fans could no longer hold back from making predictions.

Just like last year, TNT had secured the broadcasting rights for every Playoffs game, and the Big Three naturally had to offer their professional predictions on the latest episode.

They mostly agreed on the other matchups, but their opinions differed sharply on the Spurs-Thunder and Pelicans-Mavericks series.

"The Thunder will crush the Spurs, and the Pelicans will sweep the Mavericks."

O'Neal's prediction was straightforward, but it drew fierce opposition from Barkley and Smith.

"Man, the Mavericks aren't as weak as you think. They won't get swept—they might even pull off a Black Eight Upset."

Barkley agreed with the first half of O'Neal's statement, but strongly opposed the second half.

"I don't think the Spurs will lose to the Thunder. Popovich's coaching in the Playoffs is unbelievable."

Kenny Smith was a Former Spurs Player, and he held his former head coach in high regard.

"And Kenny is right. The Pelicans this season are somewhat similar to last season's Hawks. If they don't play well, I wouldn't find it too surprising if they lose to the Mavericks."

Smith had completely rejected O'Neal's take.

"Come on! The Pelicans have Tang, their situation is completely different from the Hawks', and they won 74 Wins, guys—74 Wins!"

O'Neal was too exasperated to complain about his two partners' remarks.

They had been arguing against him for so long that they instinctively opposed his opinions. They were just contrarians!

"Shaq, please note that the Mavericks have Nowitzki, Butler, Harris, and Embiid. Once they found their chemistry, they should have been one of the top three teams in the league. Their current eighth-place ranking is just an accident."

Barkley said with a smile.

"Yes, the Pelicans won 74 Wins and