The NBA Finals start on Thursday at the Staples Center. I would have loved to be preparing to fly cross country to LAX in the next few days. But I'll have to watch it on TV like the rest of you.

One really has to tip their cap to the Celtics, who upset the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals and then took care of the Magic in the East finals. But they are a bit banged up right now.

They have until Thursday to heal. The Lakers are probably favored, but I can't pick against the Celtics right now. Both of these teams can win on the other's court.

Here's the schedule for the NBA Finals:

LOS ANGELES LAKERS VS. BOSTON CELTICS
Game 1 - Thursday - Boston at Lakers 9 p.m., ABC/R/TSN
Game 2 - Sunday, June 6 - Boston at Lakers, 8 p.m., ABC/R/TSN
Game 3 - Tuesday, June 8 - Lakers at Boston, 9 p.m., ABC/R/TSN
Game 4 - Thursday, June 10 - Lakers at Boston, 9 p.m., ABC/R/TSN
Game 5 - Sunday, June 13 - Lakers at Boston, 8 p.m., ABC/R/TSN, if necessary
Game 6 - Tuesday, June 15 - Boston at Lakers, 9 p.m., ABC/R/TSN, if necessary
Game 7 - Thursday, June 17 - Boston at Lakers, 9 p.m., ABC/R/TSN, if necessary

R - ESPN Radio
TSN - TSN (Canada)