Reporter Already Preparing For Possible Celtics NBA Finals Appearance

Reporter Already Preparing For Possible Celtics NBA Finals Appearance originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Brian Windhorst won't scramble to make last-minute travel arrangements if the Boston Celtics make the NBA Finals.

The ESPN reporter said on Thursday's "NBA Today" that he's booked a hotel reservation in Boston for June in case the Celtics are playing for the Larry O'Brien Trophy later this year.

Windhorst conceded that his early planning was also a byproduct of Gillette Stadium hosting men's World Cup matches around the same time. However, he thinks Jayson Tatum could lead the Celtics to an Eastern Conference title if he returns from an Achilles injury.

"I also believe that if Jayson Tatum comes back, that puts the Boston Celtics a leg up," Windhorst said. "I am believing that World Cup hotels are going to be hard to get, and that Jayson Tatum is going to be a difference-maker."

Windhorst also "checked availability" at hotels in Cleveland, Denver, Detroit and New York. While he held off on booking those rooms, he locked in two other destinations.

The reporter said he booked a hotel in Oklahoma City "months ago," thinking the Thunder could repeat as champions. He claimed even to have made restaurant reservations in the area.

Despite believing in the Thunder, Windhorst also has lodging ready in San Antonio. The Spurs are 42-16 after winning 10 straight games behind Victor Wembanyama.

"I really think that we're going to be in San Antonio or Oklahoma City in June," Windhorst said.

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