I simply couldn’t match these in with the remainder of the questions.
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Which crew from the East do you suppose can be the hardest matchup for the Celtics within the playoffs?
RobVersionOne
Which crew is the most important hurdle to the celtics successful the chip this 12 months? I’m not simply speaking about data however who has the celtics mentally beat or has the instruments (gamers, teaching, system) to offer the celtics matches?
the bucks gave us the most important beatdown this 12 months however i’m not petrified of them. The warmth or warriors concern me extra.
Let’s energy rank these groups (by Convention)
Disclaimer – that is Jeff’s opinion solely and never reflective of anybody else and shouldn’t be used for playing functions… principally as a result of playing is dumb (sorry SBN sponsors).
Japanese Convention:
Milwaukee Bucks – I actually need to write them off as a result of within the playoffs they received’t be capable to guard the perimeter. I need to imagine {that a} first 12 months coach goes to have a tough time performing within the playoffs. I need to scoff and level out that Kris Middleton hasn’t been the identical and the depth falls off a cliff after him.
However principally I simply need them to lose early within the playoffs as a result of on the finish of the day they’ve Giannis and Dame and generally all you want is 2 superstars going supernova on the proper time.
Miami Warmth – Jimmy, Bam, Spo, and 6 guys picked up from the GLeague are greater than able to successful any given playoff sequence (or perhaps 2 or 3). Sure, that is me admitting that the Warmth take up residence in my head. It isn’t rent-free although. Within the final a number of season they’ve put down a deposit and several other months hire in money. They earned that.
Philadelphia 76ers – Sure they’ve the reigning MVP and he’s going to get his factors towards anybody. What actually scares me about this crew is the way in which that Maxey has emerged. He’s simply the sort of irrepressible slasher that the Celtics have all the time struggled with. And in the event that they add one other weapon on the commerce deadline, they’ll be much more harmful within the playoffs.
Indiana Pacers – Tyrese Haliburton had this crew clicking on all cylinders earlier than getting damage. Coach Rick Carlisle empowered him and the remainder of the offense to make lovely music collectively. I don’t suppose they play sufficient protection to be an actual critical menace within the East however they’ll make life depressing for anybody enjoying them within the playoffs. Replace: Now that they’ve added Siakam, there’s much more cause to have them ranked this excessive. That’s only a good match for them going ahead.
New York Knicks – Between Jalen Brunson and Coach Thibbs, this crew isn’t going to again down from anybody. Randle is a little bit of a wildcard (for good or unhealthy) however OG Anunoby is simply the proper addition for them. I additionally like Hart, Grimes, and Treasured. I don’t know if they’ve sufficient high stage expertise simply but, however they’ll be a really robust out for anybody.
Cleveland Cavaliers – This crew is the polar reverse of the Knicks. There’s a number of high finish expertise, however by some means they haven’t found out how one can make all of it work. I’m very blissful that they didn’t add somebody like Anunoby that might have linked issues properly. I nonetheless imagine in Mobley long run, however he may want a barely completely different solid round him to totally notice his potential. After all as quickly as I put them this low on the listing, watch them be that one crew that goes on a run within the playoffs.
Honorable point out: Orlando Magic – Most likely a 12 months or two away from being actually harmful, however these guys can play already. Banchero generally is a star, Wagner is legit, and in the event that they discover any capturing to go round these guys, be careful. Plus they all the time play the Celtics properly, which has my respect.
Western Convention:
Denver Nuggets – Champs. Finest participant alive. Sufficient stated.
OKC Thunder – The time is now. Except it’s subsequent 12 months. But it surely may very well be now. However Jokic. However perhaps. We’ll see.
Minnesota Timberwolves – Protection wins championships. Ant Edwards is the true deal. Did I point out that they play protection?
LA Clippers – Talking of protection, when you may have a wholesome (knock on wooden) Kawhi and Paul George, you may have a great likelihood at enjoying some good protection. Add in a revitalized James Harden (knock on wooden) and a fantastic coach and also you’ve acquired a crew to recon with. Simply hold a number of wooden merchandise round.
Honorable point out: That is the place I’m legally obligated to acknowledge that Steph Curry and LeBron James are too good to utterly rule out.
It will be a enjoyable 2nd half of the season. Can’t wait to see how the playoffs form up.
Thanks for all of the questions everybody! Let’s do that once more.
