As the conference semifinals are in full effect and most series are moving on to game 3, it is the best time of year to talk NBA basketball and evaluate what has been going on. So far, it has been exciting and surprising, to say the least, since only one of the four teams managed to win a home game, that being the OKC Thunder’s rout of the Denver Nuggets. That series is 1-1 right now, but the other two, Boston Celtics VS New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers VS Indiana Pacers, are 0-2, which is very surprising and game-changing. The Golden State Warriors stole game 1 too from the Minnesota Timberwolves, but lost Steph Curry in the meantime.
With all of that and more, we take a look at what is still to come and take a special interest in Shaquille O’Neal’s praise of Nikola Jokic. Read on to learn more, especially if you care about the sport of basketball and NBA betting online. With so many upsets and incredible performances all around, the Playoffs have exceeded all of the expectations so far, with both overperforming and underperforming teams in both the West and East. And the best is still yet to come with the Conference finals and the big NBA Finals in the coming weeks.
Superman Praises The Joker
That sure is something that you would never find on one of the pages of DC Comics panels, but in the real world, Shaquille O’Neal, known as Superman, has been praising Nikola “The Joker” Jokic a lot as of late. Everyone knows how critical Shaq can be of modern players, particularly the stars. Well, he turns it up to 11 with the centers, whom he always referred to as the big men. As the self-proclaimed president of the unofficial Big Man Alliance, he always has both positive and negative things to say about modern centers and power forwards and their evolving game. However, it always comes from a good place as he wants and expects the best out of them.
Jokic, whom he also calls Big Honey, has earned Shaq’s praise a while ago with 3 MVP titles, an NBA title, and a Finals MVP, but the most dominant player ever always adds to what he said. That could be seen during the halftime of one of the games against the LA Clippers when Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most notable NBA media personalities and a constant, longtime Jokic detractor, said that the Serbian center is one of the top 5 all-time centers. Jalen Rose and Charles Barkley immediately jumped him with the actual list that most fans have, one that justifiably declares Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Shaq himself, and Hakeem Olajuwon as the top 5 all-time NBA centers.
While Shaq did say that he would not touch that list and take anyone off, it did seem that the legend jumped the gun a bit without thinking. “Okay, then top 10,” he corrected himself, to which Barkley agreed with “Easily top 10”. O’Neal is famous for changing, or at least adjusting his views, especially when called out for it, but there could be some truth to what he said about the best European basketball player of all time by the time Jokic finishes his career. What he is missing is a championship or two more to compare his resume with those of other great centers.
NBA Playoff Odds and Predictions
So, how about a detailed look at what is to come in terms of games and who is the favorite of sportsbooks like Stake to win the next few games and, ultimately, the title? Let us dive deep into it. With the most immediate game being game 2 of the Wolves and Warriors series, the home team will look to make things equal 1-1 following that loss to the GSW. Anthony Edwards and company are hungry, and he has talked trash all season about how he wants the Warriors. Well, here they are, and they stole game 1. However, they are a big underdog for game 2 since Steph Curry pulled his hamstring and will sit out that game. This makes the Timberwolves huge favorites, and the odds reflect that with 1.19 versus the Bay Area side, who only get 4.60.
Tomorrow, two games are on schedule, both game 3 and both on the road for the better-seeded teams. The Indiana Pacers stole both games from the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they are slight underdogs in game 3 at home with 2.12 odds to the Cavaliers’ 1.70. The young Pacers play quickly thanks to the incredible pace of Tyrese Haliburton, which Pascal Siakam and others follow to a tee. The big thing for the Cavs is injuries, as they have been without Darius Garland for several games, as well as without Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley and their amazing sixth-man addition De’Andre Hunter. Donovan Mitchell is used to carrying the load, but he will need a ton of help in Indianapolis for game 3.
Now for the big game in the Mile High City, Denver, Colorado, when the best team in the league, the Oklahoma City Thunder, comes a knockin’. Game 3 should be incredible, considering the two MVP frontrunners, Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are going at it in an even series. Playing Denver away is never easy due to the altitude, but also the fans, and in this case, several players who play way better at home. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon will look to cause a world of trouble for SGA, Jaylen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and others, but the visiting team is still the favorite with 1.51 odds. Denver gets 2.55, but then again, they were also the underdogs in game 1. They are the more experienced team with a championship resume, while OKC could once again prove inexperienced for big moments.
In the fourth series, there will be pandemonium at the 3:30 PM early afternoon game at Madison Square Garden when the Knicks play in front of the crazy New York fans against their biggest rivals, the Boston Celtics. The Knicks, led by Jaylen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, will look to make it 3-0 and then potentially sweep the defending champions with Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading them, but playing underneath their capabilities. Can the Celtics survive committing another three-point barrage but make their shots? Whose supporting cast will prove they want it more? This is arguably the most interesting series with the biggest implications for the rest of the season. The Knicks, leading 2-0 and playing at home, are the underdogs according to Stake’s NBA betting tips and odds with 2.65 odds while the Celtics get 1.46. Who will you pick?
Finals and Finals MVP Bets and Odds
Is Shaq’s praise going to help Jokic reach and win the finals, with another MVP in hand? Or could SGA’s first MVP, should he win it, propel him to win the Thunder their first title? What about the Knicks or the biggest of underdogs, the Pacers? OKC leads the outright title bet with 2.15 odds, followed by Celtics with 4.50, Cavs with 9.00, Wolves with 10.00, and Knicks with 11.00. The Pacers have better odds than the Nuggets at 14.00 over 17.00, while the Steph Curry-less GSW is only at 23.00 right now. The Finals MVP frontrunner is SGA with 2.25, followed by Tatum with 5.0, Antman with 11.00, Mitchell with 12.00, Bunson with 15.00, and Joker with 17.00.
Shaquille O’Neal Facts
The most dominant player in the history of basketball. The man of a thousand nicknames. A figure larger than life and one of the most recognizable and marketable personas in entertainment. There are many interesting things about Shaq, but here are some of the facts about the basketball legend everyone should know.
- A doctoral degree: Shaq earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Learning and Leadership from Barry University in 2012.
- Multiple championships: Shaquille O’Neal won four NBA championships, three with the Los Angeles Lakers (2000–2002) and one with the Miami Heat (2006).
- Massive shoe size: Shaq wears a size 22 shoe, which has become part of his larger-than-life persona. His sponsors had to constantly make special sizes and models for him throughout his career.
- Police officer: Shaq has served as a reserve police officer in several cities, including Los Angeles and Miami, and was sworn in as a deputy sheriff in Georgia.
- Platinum rapper: In 1993, he released a rap album under the name Shaq Diesel that went platinum, a rare feat for an athlete. He is also an active DJ and frequents festivals around the world.
- NBA Rookie of the Year: Shaq won the 1993 NBA Rookie of the Year award after being the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic.
- He is an actor and TV personality: Shaq has acted in movies like Blue Chips and Kazaam and is a popular analyst on TNT’s multiple Grammy award-winning show Inside the NBA.
- Big-time investor: He was an early investor in companies like Google and owns numerous franchise restaurants, including Papa John’s, Five Guys, and Auntie Anne’s. He also endorses countless products like Pepsi and IcyHot and has a line of affordable sneakers.
- He is incredibly charitable: Shaq is known for spontaneous acts of generosity, from paying off strangers’ debts to buying furniture for families in need. He did not have a lot growing up, so now that he has made it, he gives back a lot.
- Olympic and World Cup gold medalist: Shaq won a gold medal with Team USA at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics as part of the dominant second iteration of the Dream Team. Two years prior, in 1994, he won a gold medal at the FIBA World Cup in Toronto.
Shaq FAQs
How tall is Shaquille O’Neal?
Shaq stands 7 feet 1 inch or 2.16 meters tall and is one of the most physically dominant players in NBA history.
What teams did Shaq play for?
Shaquille O’Neal played for six NBA teams: Orlando Magic (1992–1996), Los Angeles Lakers (1996–2004), Miami Heat (2004–2008), Phoenix Suns (2008–2009), Cleveland Cavaliers (2009–2010), and Boston Celtics (2010–2011).
What are Shaq’s biggest accolades?
Shaq won four NBA titles, 3 Finals MVPs, 1 MVP, 3 All-Star MVPs, and 15 All-Stars. The Lakers, Heat, and Magic retired his numbers, and he is a member of both NBA anniversary teams.
What is Shaq’s net worth?
As of 2025, Shaquille O’Neal’s estimated net worth is around $500 million, thanks to his great NBA career salary and contracts, but also a plethora of endorsements and smart investments.
Did Shaq go to college?
Yes, Shaq attended Louisiana State University (LSU), where he was a standout player. He later returned to complete his degree and eventually earned a doctorate in education.
Is Shaq in the Hall of Fame?
Yes, Shaquille O’Neal was a first-ballot Hall of Famer inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
What kind of businesses does Shaq own?
Shaq has invested in and owns stakes in dozens of businesses, including restaurants (Papa John’s, Five Guys, Auntie Anne’s), fitness gyms (24 Hour Fitness), car washes, movie theaters, and even a few nightclubs.
Did Shaq ever act in movies or on TV?
Yes, he has appeared in films like Blue Chips and Kazaam, and has had roles on television, including his current work on TNT’s Inside the NBA alongside Earnie Johnson, Kenny “The Jet” Smith, and Charles Barkley.
How many nicknames does Shaq have?
Shaq, his original nickname, is a man of numerous nicknames and monikers. Known for his charisma and humor, he has collected an impressive list of more than 30. Among the most iconic are The Big Aristotle, The Big Diesel, Shaq Diesel, Superman, Shaq Fu, Shaq Daddy, and Wilt Chamberneezy. His team changes inspired monikers like The Big Shamrock, The Big Leprechaun (Celtics), The Big Cactus, and The Big Shaqtus (Suns). Others include Shaq Attack, Shaq Diesel, Shaq-A-Doodle, Shaqovic, Shaqtin’ a Fool, Dr. O’Neil, and others.
