Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks! No, we are not talking about the finals series that took place a few months ago. This is Jayson Tatum’s NBA Finals prediction for next season. Yes, during a recent appearance on The Tonight Show, JT boldly claimed that the Celtics would conquer the East once again while adding, “It’s going to be a rematch. We’re going to play Dallas again.” But hoops legend Gilbert Arenas is not convinced and called “cap” on Tatum’s prophecy.

Addressing the Celt’s comments on a segment of ‘Facts or Cap’, the ex-Warrior did not have faith in Tatum’s prediction of the finals rematch, “Cap… A big a– cap.” However, he made a minor correction to his initial statement and taunted the 26-year-old champion, “I’m pretty sure he would love to keep playing Dallas every f—— year, right? I’m pretty sure. So this is more wishful thinking.”

Considering it only took the Cs five games to eliminate Luka Doncic and Co. and get their hands on the Larry O’Brien trophy, Gilbert Arenas believes that Jayson Tatum would want a similar path to the championship every season. Maybe because it assures the team in green another title. But the West is loaded next season with teams like the Timberwolves and Nuggets returning even stronger.

Moreover, the Grizzlies and the Spurs are also going to look a lot different with Ja Morant returning from injury and Chris Paul joining forces with Victor Wembanyama. So, the crown of the Western Conference Champions could be anyone’s for the taking.

Then, Agent Zero continued mocking Jayson Tatum by mimicking his reaction if his prediction came true, “Woo! We gonna play them again.” And he thinks the five-time All-Star might be partially correct, unlike his panelist.

Gilbert Arenas and Rashad McCants divided over Jayson Tatum’s prediction

While Arenas initially called “cap” on Jayson Tatum’s prediction, he later remarked on The Gil’s Arena that it could end up being partially correct, “I think Boston can get back for sure they have the high probability.” With the Cs’ core of Tatum, Brown, Holiday, Porzingis and White intact, they might still be the most lethal starting lineup in the East for next season. And following the disrespect the Jays duo faced during the Paris Olympics with the entire snub and benching controversy, the panel believes it could motivate the two superstars to prove their worth once again next season. However, Arenas was hesitant to predict the Mavs coming out of the West.

Meanwhile, his colleague Rashad McCants had a different opinion: “Dallas actually has, I think, a better chance than Boston.” Well, the Mavs were only three wins away from winning the title coming out of arguably a more competitive and tougher conference. And with the addition of a star like Klay Thompson who has championship experience and can shoot lights out in pressure situations, McCants believes the Mavs could make another run to the finals.

So, with the Gils Arena crew divided on their ultimate glory takers in the NBA, it will be interesting to see which half of Jayson Tatum’s prediction comes true, or if none of it does. Who do you think will make it to the finals next season?