Dwight Howard picks Oklahoma City Thunder to win NBA Finals - SportingNews.com

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard is picking the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the NBA Finals.

TMZ caught up with Howard, who is recovering from back surgery, shortly after he completed a rehab session. Howard said that his back is “feeling a lot better” and that he is happy with the progress he’s making.

The time off has given him plenty of opportunities to watch the NBA playoffsâ€"and with that enough insight to predict the Thunder will win the Western Conference over the San Antonio Spurs and eventually take home the title.

“I think the Thunder might take it,” Howard said. “I think this is just their time. Just watching their games, watching their fans…There are a million people outside the arena and then you’ve got the arena packed. It’s very inspirational when you’ve got the whole city behind you; it makes you wanna go out there and give everything you’ve got.”

Howard also addressed the dismissal of his former coach, Stan Van Gundy.

“Me and Stan, we had our ups and downs, but for the most part, we had one goal and that was to win the championship in Orlando and we fell short,” Howard said to TMZ. “…I hate to see anybody lose their job, first of all. I’m glad (Magic CEO) Alex Martins came out and confirmed that I had nothing to do with it.”