Inside The NBA Stays In Business As Shaq Leads NBA Celeb Row With Pep Guardiola For Celtics vs Mavs

Following a one-week hiatus leading to high anticipation and excitement, NBA action is officially back as the Celtics and Mavs face each other tonight in the first game of the finals. Flooding the TD Garden with thousands, Celtics fans are ready to show support for their home team and make life a little more difficult for the visitors. Joining those fans are also celebrities from various fields ready to witness the game live. And headlining the lineup are Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal and legendary soccer manager Pep Guardiola.

While TNT’s Inside the NBA is done for this season following their Conference Finals coverage, their loyal panelist Shaquille O’Neal was spotted at the Garden with an unlikely friend. Accompanying him was ice hockey legend Zdeno Chara. In a viral video, Big Diesel could be seen talking to another person as Chara approached the big man and showed him something on his phone. Then, sharing pleasantries, the two went their separate ways to meet other familiar faces.

Meanwhile, a returning Kristaps Porzingis who is finally back in the lineup after missing over a month of action because of a calf injury was also seen warming up for the biggest game of his career. However, the Center put his warm-up on hold after hitting a three as he saw Pep Guardiola on the sidelines. Immediately rushing toward him with a smile, the two shook hands and shared a hug.

Interestingly, it did not seem like they were meeting each other for the first time. The duo hit it off immediately and they were seen laughing and joking around before Porzingis headed back on the court to continue his warm-up.

Star-studded night at the TD Garden; Hollywood, Philadelphia Eagles, and many stars turned up!

Apart from Shaq and Pep, several other big-name celebrities graced the arena with their presence, mesmerizing the crowd. Among them were actor Mark Wahlberg and his brother Donnie Wahlberg, who were both born in Boston and have been Celtics supporters all their lives. Along with them was also Donnie’s wife and actress, Jenny McCarthy. While there were a few actors in the crowd, the arena was filled with figures from the sports world.

Because the season is over for every team other than Boston and Dallas, several players from the league also came to the Garden to enjoy their off-season by watching tonight’s game. The players in attendance were Miami’s Duncan Robinson and Chicago’s Andre Drummond. Moreover, several alumni who once wore the Celtics uniform also came to support their former team, including Tacko Fall, Jason Terry, Eddie House, and more.

Even UFC President Dana White was in attendance for the game. Notably, Dana is a huge Celtics fan, which he revealed last year on Mike Tyson’s podcast, “I love the New York-Boston rivalry and I love Philly-Boston rivalry. I love going to Philly. So, I’m a big Celtics fan.” Despite the mentioned Philly-Boston rivalry, several stars from the Philadelphia Eagles also traveled all the way to witness some ball. So, it looks like the NBA Finals fever has taken over the whole nation, as the diverse Celeb Row filled up for Game 1.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow in what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.