19 thoughts as the Celtics begin their quest for Banner 19

It’s playoff time, child.

Listed below are 19 ideas because the Celtics attempt to go back-to-back.

1. Momentum issues.

I consider momentum issues heading into the playoffs. The Celtics have gained 5 of six and 19 of 21 and are enjoying a few of their greatest basketball of the 12 months.

Sputtering to the end line wouldn’t have ruined their probabilities within the playoffs, however I do suppose that ending the common season robust helps.

2. Don’t sleep on the Magic.

The Magic aren’t your typical 7-seed. They’ve handled accidents all year long and certain would have been the 4 or 5-seed in the event that they have been comparatively wholesome. They’re nonetheless lacking some key guys, however Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are legit.

Orlando’s largest energy is minimizing 3-point makes an attempt for its opponents. The Celtics, in fact, like to take 3’s, in order that battle is one thing to observe because the collection progresses.

The Magic are properly above common defensively and match up higher with Boston than most groups. Don’t anticipate 4 blowouts.

3. Boston will take it in 5.

I’ve been going forwards and backwards between Celtics and 5 and Celtics in 6, however I’ve determined to go along with 5. Sure, Orlando has all these traits, however the expertise hole is simply too vital for the Magic to steal two.

I believe it’ll go about as anticipated, with the Celtics successful two at house, the groups splitting in Orlando and the Celtics ending it off at house. I believe two or three of the 5 video games will probably be decently shut and two or three will probably be lopsided.

4. Keep watch over Jaylen Brown.

It’s honest to be just a little bit involved about Jaylen Brown’s knee, however I personally consider he’ll look basically like himself.

Brown at 80 to 90 p.c is best than most gamers at 100, however the Celtics want him at as near 100 as attainable to win all of it.

He has a knack for taking part in via ache and making it exhausting to inform how he actually feels, however I’ll be watching him intently Sunday to see how he’s transferring round.

5. Luke Kornet: man of the folks.

Luke Kornet has at all times been extremely regarded round these elements, however he’s emerged as a real fan favourite this season.

I believe he’ll assist negate a few of Orlando’s size, and he ought to play a key position within the later collection as properly. The Kornet-Tatum pairing is deadly, and general, he’s only a very stable, essentially sound participant who approaches the sport the precise method.

If you happen to’re a diehard fan, you’ve seen this all 12 months. If you happen to’re an off-the-cuff fan who begins watching intently within the playoffs, to begin with, disgrace on you. Secondly, you’ll like what you see from Kornet.

6. Jayson Tatum’s taking pictures splits ought to go up.

Tatum was masterful in so some ways throughout the title run – rebounding, passing, protection, recreation administration, hustle, coronary heart, and many others.

However, he shot simply 42.7 p.c from the ground and 28.3 p.c from 3-point vary. I might be shocked if these numbers have been that low once more, and it wouldn’t shock me in the event that they find yourself being considerably larger.

Someplace round 45 p.c from the ground and 35 p.c from 3 feels sensible.

7. Jrue Vacation is the X-factor.

In 47 wins this 12 months, Jrue Vacation averaged 12 factors per recreation and shot 47.8 p.c from the ground, 40.9 p.c from 3 and 92.3 p.c from the road.

In 15 losses, these numbers dipped significantly to eight.1 factors, 34 p.c from the sphere, 18.4 p.c from 3 and 83.3 p.c from the road. To name {that a} main drop-off could be an understatement. After all, he contributes in lots of different methods, however it’s intriguing nonetheless.

The Celtics are nice even when Vacation is simply OK as a scorer. When he’s extra aggressive and environment friendly within the course of, they’re usually unbeatable.

8. There’s an identical sample for Sam Hauser.

Clearly most gamers’ stats are going to be worse in losses, however that pattern can also be notably illuminating for Sam Hauser.

In wins: 9.9 factors, 47.5 p.c from the ground and 43.8 p.c from 3. In losses: 4.8 factors, 35.5 p.c from the sphere and 32.9 p.c from distance. Keep watch over his taking pictures as a barometer for the crew’s success.

For reference, Derrick White and Kristaps Porzingis and have comparable stats in wins and losses, whereas Jaylen Brown really averages extra factors per recreation in losses than wins (which is fascinating in its personal proper).

9. You’ve gotta love the tip occasions.

It virtually seems to be like a misprint. A 3:30 p.m. Recreation 1 and seven p.m. Video games 2, 3 and 4 is wonderful. They’ll get later and later because it goes, however what a begin.

10. The Knicks will make it a collection.

I do know, I do know, the Celtics swept the Knicks within the common season and are a greater crew. That’s true. However I consider the Knicks will rise to the problem and make it a aggressive collection.

Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Cities are a dynamic duo, and Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart all play their roles properly. The Celtics’ primary benefits are general expertise, taking pictures and depth, so I believe these would be the distinction.

Celtics in 6.

11. The Celtics could also be much more potent this 12 months.

If you happen to might simulate a collection between final 12 months’s Celtics and this 12 months’s Celtics (bizarre idea, I do know), I believe this 12 months’s crew would win in seven.

Every participant has improved barely, the chemistry is even higher and Porzingis is transferring properly and a serious weapon. I believe this 12 months’s crew is barely higher. So long as this 12 months’s crew is simply as hungry, there’s no motive it will possibly’t be even higher.

12. However, the trail will probably be more durable than final 12 months.

With that mentioned, do not anticipate one other cakewalk. A 16-3 report within the playoffs is really preposterous. Sure, their opponents have been shorthanded, however that’s ridiculous irrespective of the way you slice it.

I believe there’s a reasonably good probability each collection outdoors of the primary one goes no less than six.

13. Celtics-Cavaliers could possibly be an all-timer.

The Celtics-Cavaliers collection in 2008 continues to be my favourite of all-time. I don’t suppose this one will fairly attain that stage, however I believe it’ll be shut.

The Cavs are completely legit. Donovan Mitchell is a foul, dangerous man, and the supporting forged is sort of stable. I believe lots of people are sleeping on the De’Andre Hunter acquisition. Nobody can cease Tatum completely, however he’s extra outfitted to carry him in test than most.

I believe the Celtics take it in 6 or 7 after an epic battle. I’ll go 7.

14. Something might occur within the Wild West.

The Thunder are the favorites and have the perfect probability, however the Lakers and Warriors are each extraordinarily harmful.

Might this be the 12 months the Clippers lastly make a run (the one time I don’t choose them, naturally)? I don’t totally belief the Rockets, however Ime Udoka has them enjoying some impressed basketball. The Timberwolves can’t be counted out, both.

With that mentioned, the Thunder have been traditionally dominant. It could be unwise to choose towards them. I’ll take the Thunder over the Lakers in 6.

15. I hold eager about that 2010 Finals.

The 2008 championship will at all times have its place in Celtics lore, however the actuality is, that core ought to have gained a second.

Accidents have been an element, however the Celtics have been nonetheless the higher crew within the 2010 Finals. To me, that triumph is Kobe Bryant’s best. That was the one which bought away for Boston. This present crew has already made its mark, however it has an opportunity to be an traditionally nice group with a second title.

If the Celtics get this one, then it’s time to begin speaking a few potential dynasty within the years to return.

16. Take pleasure in these couple months.

I at all times get just a little unhappy when March Insanity ends, then I keep in mind the NBA Playoffs are simply across the nook and instantly get excited once more. There’s nothing prefer it.

17. Celtics-Thunder could be a struggle.

I do consider, after every part is sorted out, that it will likely be Celtics-Thunder for the title. The Thunder are bodily, versatile, properly coached and hungry. They’ll be a greater than worthy opponent.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is enjoying on one other stage proper now, and it will be as much as Vacation, White and Brown to maintain him in test. I’m at all times amazed by gamers like that, the place you realize what’s coming however nonetheless can’t cease it.

18. Tatum will win Finals MVP.

People are distinctive, as a result of we’re capable of compartmentalize two contrasting feelings and really feel them each deeply.

I consider Tatum is authentically comfortable for Brown that Brown gained Finals MVP final 12 months. I additionally consider that on an excellent deeper stage, Tatum is salty it wasn’t him. Nothing towards Brown, and it’s not a criticism of Tatum. It’s simply human nature.

I believe Tatum can have one thing particular in retailer within the Finals and fortify his standing as an all-time NBA nice (not that he isn’t already) with a very dazzling efficiency.

19. They end the job once more.

The Celtics beat the Thunder in 6 and repeat as NBA champions. They develop into the primary crew to go back-to-back because the Warriors in 2017-18, formally set up themselves among the best cores in NBA historical past and hoist Banner 19 at TD Backyard.

I wouldn’t be stunned if the Thunder or Cavaliers gained it, however I believe the Celtics in the end discover a method in each collection and end on prime.