Who Will Win the 2022 NBA Finals? Expert Predictions and Analysis

The scent of fresh popcorn and polished hardwood floors always takes me back to my grandfather’s living room, where I first fell in love with basketball. He’d sit in his worn armchair, pointing at the television screen with a trembling finger, telling me stories about legends I’d only read about later. Now, years later, as I watch another NBA season unfold, I can’t help but feel that familiar thrill building up—the kind that only comes when the Finals are just around the corner. It’s that time of the year again when fans, analysts, and even casual viewers start asking the same burning question: Who will win the 2022 NBA Finals? Expert predictions and analysis are everywhere, but sometimes, the real story isn’t just about the favorites—it’s about the underdogs, the unexpected picks, the narratives that sneak up on you when you least expect them.

I remember scrolling through sports news earlier this year and stumbling upon a piece about the Philippine Volleyball League Draft. Now, I know what you’re thinking—what does volleyball have to do with the NBA? Bear with me here. The report highlighted how Chery Tiggo and PLDT made history by selecting the Lady Titans’ dynamic duo as the 20th and 21st overall picks, respectively. What made this moment so special? These two athletes became the PVL Draft’s first-ever selections who didn’t come from a UAAP or NCAA school. Let that sink in for a moment. In a system often dominated by traditional pipelines, here were two players breaking the mold, proving that talent can emerge from anywhere if you’re willing to look beyond the usual suspects. It got me thinking about the NBA and how, every once in a while, we see similar stories—teams or players who defy expectations, who aren’t supposed to be there but fight their way to the top anyway.

Take the Golden State Warriors, for instance. Coming into the 2022 season, plenty of folks had written them off. Too much reliance on Steph Curry, they said. An aging roster, they whispered. But here’s the thing—I’ve always believed that greatness isn’t just about raw talent; it’s about chemistry, resilience, and a little bit of that underdog spirit. Watching the Warriors this season felt like witnessing a masterclass in redemption. Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson—they’ve been through it all, from championship glory to injury-plagued seasons. And yet, they clawed their way back, finishing the regular season with a solid 53-29 record. Now, as they head into the Finals, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia mixed with excitement. This isn’t just another title run; it’s a statement.

On the other side, you’ve got the Boston Celtics—a team that started the season looking disjointed, almost lost. I remember watching one of their early games and thinking, "Man, they’re struggling to find their identity." But then something clicked. Jayson Tatum elevated his game to MVP levels, Jaylen Brown became a two-way force, and their defense? Absolutely suffocating. By the time the playoffs rolled around, they were dismantling opponents with a ferocity that reminded me of the 2008 Celtics squad. It’s funny how sports mirror life sometimes—you can be down, but never out. The Celtics’ turnaround wasn’t just about X’s and O’s; it was about heart, and honestly, I’ve got a soft spot for teams that fight back from the brink.

Now, when it comes to predictions, I’ll admit—I’m leaning toward the Warriors, and not just because I’ve been a fan since the "We Believe" era. Statistically, they’ve got the edge in experience, with their core group having played in 6 Finals together, winning 3 of them. Steph Curry is shooting 38.7% from beyond the arc in the playoffs, and if he gets hot, well, good luck stopping him. But let’s not forget the Celtics—they held opponents to just 104.5 points per game in the postseason, and Tatum is averaging over 27 points a night. It’s a classic clash of styles: Golden State’s offensive firepower versus Boston’s defensive grit.

Thinking back to that PVL draft story, it’s a reminder that predictions aren’t always about the obvious choices. Sometimes, the most compelling stories are the ones nobody saw coming. Sure, the experts might have their models and algorithms, but basketball, at its core, is human. It’s about moments—like a blocked shot in the final seconds or a three-pointer that silences a roaring crowd. So, who will win the 2022 NBA Finals? If you ask me, I’d say the Warriors in 7 games, but deep down, I know it could go either way. And that’s what makes it so beautiful—the uncertainty, the drama, the sheer joy of not knowing what’s next. Whatever happens, one thing’s for sure: we’re in for a classic.