Inside the NBA Crew Debates Playoff Predictions

Inside the NBA Crew Debates Playoff Predictions

The NBA playoffs are here, and the Inside the NBA crew is ready to break down the matchups. Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley are back in Studio J in Atlanta to talk hoops.

The excitement is building as the best time of the year, according to Barkley, has officially begun. “I’m excited,” Barkley said, “This is the best time of the year.” He added that he had been watching basketball and hockey all day.

Playoff Predictions Take Center Stage

With the regular season wrapped up, the team turned their attention to predicting who will make it to the NBA Finals. The crew debated the Eastern Conference, with Ernie Johnson picking the Cavs over the Celtics.

Shaq and Kenny Smith both saw a matchup between the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks, with Shaq leaning towards Detroit and Kenny picking the Knicks. Charles Barkley, however, had a different take, predicting Detroit would advance.

The Western Conference sparked even more debate. Shaquille O’Neal predicted a Nuggets vs. OKC matchup, with Denver making it to the Finals. Kenny Smith saw the Spurs and OKC battling it out, with San Antonio advancing.

Charles Barkley agreed with Kenny, picking OKC and San Antonio. Ernie Johnson ultimately chose Denver to face the Celtics in the NBA Finals.

Nuggets vs. Celtics: The Predicted Finals Matchup

Ernie Johnson’s final prediction was a Denver Nuggets versus Boston Celtics NBA Finals. This pick brought a lot of discussion, as the other analysts had different visions for the championship series. The crew placed their large Post-it note predictions on the wall, a visual representation of their hopes for the postseason.

Nostalgia and Playoff Memories

The start of the playoffs always brings back memories for the Inside the NBA team. Ernie Johnson asked if it took them back to their playing days, and the answer was a resounding yes. “It does,” said Shaq.

“It’s exciting, Ernie. It’s very exciting. I mean, I’m glad to get this day started.” Charles Barkley, however, played it cool, joking, “It’s just another game.”

Coaching Debate Rekindled

A familiar debate about coaching resurfaced when the show discussed the Rockets and Lakers game. Charles Barkley reiterated his stance on not blaming coaches when players falter.

“I’ve always said when players don’t step up, do not blame the coaches,” Barkley explained. This led to a humorous back-and-forth with Kenny Smith, who recalled Barkley’s previous arguments on the topic.

The ‘Tanking’ Fishermen

As the show wrapped up, the popular “Fishing Trip” segment returned. With the regular season over, the crew joked about teams that didn’t make the playoffs going “fishing.” This segment always provides laughs, and this time was no different, with the crew playfully sending the “tanking” teams out to sea.

Looking Ahead to Tomorrow’s Games

The Inside the NBA team reminded viewers about upcoming games. Tomorrow, the Sixers and the Celtics will face off for the 23rd time in the playoffs, followed by the Suns and the Thunder.

Both Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley expressed excitement for their respective teams playing. The crew signed off, promising to return tomorrow for more NBA action.

The date is April 18th, and the NBA playoffs have officially begun, promising thrilling matchups and intense competition. The Inside the NBA crew’s predictions set the stage for what should be an exciting postseason. Fans can tune in tomorrow for more playoff basketball and the Inside the NBA team’s analysis.

Source: Funniest moments from Inside the NBA 🤣 | April 18th, 2026 (YouTube)