Celtics-Cavaliers matchup complicates Candace Parker’s fanhood

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Beginning today, Sparks forward Candace Parker will put her rooting interests to the test.

The Boston Celtics play the Cleveland Cavaliers today in the first day of the NBA’s regular season, a matchup that will feature Parker’s husband, Shelden Williams, with Boston against Parker’s brother, Anthony Parker, with Cleveland.

Fans and media aren’t the only ones wondering which team Parker will favor. Williams often jokes to Candace, ‘Don’t listen to your brother.’ Candace’s family often jokes they’ll disown her if she roots for her husband over her brother.

‘Honestly, I’m rooting for both of them to do well,’ Parker said during the WNBA regular season. ‘I’m a fan of basketball. It’s fun. It’s great to look at our family and know how special we are.’

This isn’t new for Parker. On her Twitter account, Parker has often explained she roots for the Lakers but ultimately still favors the Chicago Bulls since she grew up in Naperville, Ill.

After Williams joined Boston as a free agent this off-season, Parker recalled fans immediately asking her what she’ll do when the Celtics visit the Lakers at Feb. 18 at Staples Center.

‘I don’t know,’ Parker said, laughing.’I know I can’t be wearing my Boston green sitting in the stands of L.A.’

--Mark Medina