19 thoughts as the Celtics begin their quest for Banner 19

It’s playoff time, child.

Listed here 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 possibilities within the playoffs, however I do suppose that ending the common season sturdy helps.

2. Don’t sleep on the Magic.

The Magic aren’t your typical 7-seed. They’ve handled accidents all year long and sure 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, after all, like to take 3’s, in order that battle is one thing to observe because the sequence progresses.

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

3. Boston will take it in 5.

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

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

4. Regulate Jaylen Brown.

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

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

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

5. Luke Kornet: man of the individuals.

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 sequence as properly. The Kornet-Tatum pairing is deadly, and total, he’s only a very strong, essentially sound participant who approaches the sport the suitable manner.

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

6. Jayson Tatum’s capturing splits ought to go up.

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

However, he shot simply 42.7 % from the ground and 28.3 % 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 increased.

Someplace round 45 % from the ground and 35 % from 3 feels lifelike.

7. Jrue Vacation is the X-factor.

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

In 15 losses, these numbers dipped significantly to eight.1 factors, 34 % from the sector, 18.4 % from 3 and 83.3 % from the road. To name {that a} main drop-off can be an understatement. After all, he contributes in lots of different methods, but it surely’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 analogous sample for Sam Hauser.

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

In wins: 9.9 factors, 47.5 % from the ground and 43.8 % from 3. In losses: 4.8 factors, 35.5 % from the sector and 32.9 % from distance. Regulate his capturing 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 truly averages extra factors per recreation in losses than wins (which is attention-grabbing in its personal proper).

9. You’ve gotta love the tip instances.

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

10. The Knicks will make it a sequence.

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 sequence.

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’ most important benefits are total expertise, capturing 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.

In case you may simulate a sequence 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 could possibly’t be even higher.

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

With that stated, do not count on one other cakewalk. A 16-3 document within the playoffs is actually preposterous. Sure, their opponents have been shorthanded, however that’s ridiculous regardless of the way you slice it.

I believe there’s a fairly good likelihood each sequence outdoors of the primary one goes a minimum of six.

13. Celtics-Cavaliers may very well be an all-timer.

The Celtics-Cavaliers sequence 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 nasty, unhealthy man, and the supporting forged is kind of strong. I believe lots of people are sleeping on the De’Andre Hunter acquisition. Nobody can cease Tatum totally, however he’s extra geared up to carry him in examine than most.

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

14. Something may occur within the Wild West.

The Thunder are the favorites and have the very best likelihood, however the Lakers and Warriors are each extraordinarily harmful.

May 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 stated, the Thunder have been traditionally dominant. It could be unwise to choose in opposition to them. I’ll take the Thunder over the Lakers in 6.

15. I maintain desirous 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 received away for Boston. This present crew has already made its mark, but it surely 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 a little bit unhappy when March Insanity ends, then I bear in mind the NBA Playoffs are simply across the nook and instantly get excited once more. There’s nothing prefer it.

17. Celtics-Thunder can be a struggle.

I do consider, after all the pieces 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 might be as much as Vacation, White and Brown to maintain him in examine. I’m at all times amazed by gamers like that, the place you recognize what’s coming however nonetheless can’t cease it.

18. Tatum will win Finals MVP.

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

I consider Tatum is authentically completely satisfied 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 in opposition to Brown, and it’s not a criticism of Tatum. It’s simply human nature.

I believe Tatum may 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 change into the primary crew to go back-to-back because the Warriors in 2017-18, formally set up themselves probably the greatest cores in NBA historical past and hoist Banner 19 at TD Backyard.

I wouldn’t be shocked if the Thunder or Cavaliers gained it, however I believe the Celtics finally discover a manner in each sequence and end on prime.