Celtics vs Cavaliers - NBA Playoff Round 1 Preview
Patrick Sargent, GoLocal Contributor
Celtics vs Cavaliers - NBA Playoff Round 1 Preview
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Although the Celtics won their last six games and defeated the Cavs twice in that stretch, Cleveland is still heavily favored in the series.
One thing that does stand out about this matchup is that the Cavs and Celtics have the two best records in the NBA since February 2 (Boston 24-12, Cleveland 23-10).
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1. James Lost to Celtics in 2010 - The last time Lebron James played for the Cavs against the Celtics in the playoffs was in 2010 when he lost in the East Conference Finals. He famously ripped off his jersey exiting the Garden and then, even more famously, took his talents to Miami.
2. Celts Wanted Kevin Love - The Celtics tried hard to get Love away from the TWolves last offseason, but couldn’t put together a package that enticed Minnesota enough. The Cavs, who had the #1 pick in the draft, took Andrew Wiggins and dealt him for Love. Now the Celts face the “one who got away.” Note: Love is a free agent after this season. The Celtics may be trying to prove something to him in this series (i.e., they’re good enough to compete if they had Love).
3. Isaiah Thomas Variable - Thomas can get to the lane and can draw a foul. With Kyrie Irving’s hip bothering him, look for Thomas to speed past Irving and the other Cavs’ guards to get to the hoop. And if he can get some Cavs players in foul trouble early, Thomas could prove to be an equalizer.
First Round Schedule:
Celtics @ Cavaliers - Sunday April 19 3 PM (ABC)
Celtics @ Cavaliers - Tuesday April 21 7 PM (TNT)
Cavaliers @ Celtics - Thursday April 23 7 PM (TNT)
Cavaliers @ Celtics - Sunday April 26 1 PM (ABC)
Celtics @ Cavaliers - Tuesday April 28, TBD (if needed)
Cavaliers @ Celtics - Thursday April 30, TBD (if needed)
Celtics @ Cavaliers - Saturday, May 2, TBD (if needed)
BOSTON CLEVELAND
PPG Bradley 13.9 James 25.3
RPG Sullinger 7.7 Love 9.8
APG Turner 5.5 James 7.4
BPG Sullinger 0.7 Thompson 0.7
SPG Smart 1.4 James 1.6
10 Reasons Why We Need the Bruins and Celtics to Make the Playoffs
#10
Because We Already Miss Darrelle Revis.
What better way to get over the loss of Revis than to have two of our major sports teams make the playoffs?
Keeping your mind off Revis is the best thing for you right now...it's the best thing for us.
But if you see Darrelle, tell him we said "hi."
#9
It's Been 15 Years, Folks.
Although the Red Sox look great on paper, and the Patriots are a constant shoe-in with Tom Brady at the helm, we no longer want to live like how we did in 2000. Let's stop living in the past.
The year 2000 was the last time all four major teams in Massachusetts didn't make the playoffs. And we aren't willing to take that chance ever again.
#8
Still on a Super Bowl High.
You can't knock us down. Not off this cloud. This is elation at its finest.
Let's keep it going B's and C's. A couple playoff runs could keep this high going into the summer.
And that's what being a Boston sports fan is all about.
#7
Wake Me Up When September Starts.
If the Bruins and Celtics don't make the playoffs, then we have a long wait from now until the Patriots season begins, and when the Red Sox season really matters.
The Red Sox' offense should be prolific enough to keep us entertained this summer, but the entire season? Doubtful.
#6
Snowmageddon Will Still Exist in April.
Look outside. What you see there will still be there weeks from now.
Thankfully, the NBA and NHL playoffs are an eternity long. By the time they're over, the snow SHOULD be gone.
The question has to be though: Who will be out first? The Celtics, the Bruins, or the snow?
#5
Let's Support the Sports Bar Economy
Let's face it. Sports bars have it easy. Unless it's February or early March.
Thankfully, NCAA March Madness is around the corner, followed by Red Sox Opening Day, and the Masters.
But it would be considerate of the Celtics and Bruins to keep playing as long as they can. Bartenders have bills too.
#4
Boston's #8 Seeds Defeating #1 Seeds.
Picture it. Life couldn't get much better than that. It happens quite frequently in the NHL, but it's an anomaly in the NBA.
If the Celtics and Bruins make the playoffs as #8 seeds, AND defeat the #1 seeds in their division...AND both won it in TD Garden....
Is it hot in here or is it just us?
#3
Vote of Confidence for Brad Stevens
If Celtics head coach Brad Stevens earns his first playoff bid, and wins a series with this team, the Celtics would have to seriously consider locking him up for several more years.
He would go down as the greatest Celtics coach since...Doc Rivers.
#2
Claude Julien Would Prove Everyone Wrong
Julien and the Bruins front office have caught a lot of flack for how they're handling this squad.
A long run in the playoffs could instantly redeem Julien and take him off the coach's hot seat.
He's taken the B's to two Stanley Cup Championships. It's possible he can do it again.
#1
We Need to Continue to Dominate the Professional Sports World.
Think they're sick of us now?
If the Celtics and Bruins make the playoffs and even win a series, the collective heads of every other sports fan may explode.
Cue the Duckboats!
