(Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for HBO)
The Miami Heat were taken down by the Atlanta Hawks in Tuesday night’s big play-in game and a lot of people were shocked.
Miami were the favorites going into the game so it was surprising to see them defeated, 116-105.
They were such favorites, in fact, that certain NBA commentators were betting money on them.
And it wasn’t just a small sum they were wagering.
Before the game, Charles Barkley jokingly bet Shaquille O’Neal one billion dollars that the Heat would win.
Chuck was willing to bet Shaq a BILLION dollars pregame that the Heat would beat the Hawks tonight pic.twitter.com/2cXGYDl4Pp
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 12, 2023
Following the intense game and disappointing defeat, it seems like Barkley is on the hook for a lot of cash.
Fans of the league and fans of NBA on TNT weren’t letting Barkley forget about the bet on Tuesday night.
They came out of the woodwork on Twitter to remind him again and again that he owed O’Neal a boatload of cash.
Some people were bringing up the fact that Barkley often makes the wrong call when he is betting on a game.
“When Charles guarantees a win make sure you put your money on the other team,” one fan said.
When Charles guarantees a win make sure you put your money on the other team. That’s how bad of an evaluator he is of basketball.
— Rashad Phillips (@RP3natural) April 12, 2023
Other fans were posting various memes, joking about how much money O’Neal was going to be taking home.
Shaq postgame after taking that bet pic.twitter.com/cF6njH0qpM
— Playmaker Betting (@playmakerbet) April 12, 2023
However, many others used the bet as an excuse to talk about the game, especially the collapse of the Heat.
“I’m just disappointed in the heat tbh. Especially BAM ADEBAYO,” Hardwood Hoops said.
Adebayo certainly was a letdown for Miami fans: he scored just 12 points and 9 rebounds.
I’m just disappointed in the heat tbh. Especially BAM ADEBAYO
— Hardwood Hoops (@HardwoodHooops) April 12, 2023
Other people reminded fans that Trae Young, the lead star of the Hawks, isn’t one to be slept on.
Trae Young is mad underrated
— Max Powers (@MaxPowers44) April 12, 2023
The Heat dug themselves into a pretty big hole with their loss on Tuesday night.
But Barkley may have dug himself into an even bigger one.
The post Fans React To Charles Barkley’s Big Bet With Shaq appeared first on The Cold Wire.