What storyline are you most interested in for the Nets-Celtics series?

We needed to preview the primary spherical of the playoffs with a sequence of roundtables with the employees. The primary query posed to the group is What storyline are you most fascinated about for the Nets sequence?

Adam Spinella: Whereas a lot of the consideration will go to Kyrie Irving, the on-court prioritization of defensive gameplans from Ime Udoka is what I’m fascinated to observe. A “change the whole lot” lineup can go away the C’s uncovered with a less-than-ideal defender in opposition to two of the best scorers on this planet in Kevin Durant and Kyrie. With Robert Williams out and extra minutes for Daniel Theis, that scheme leaves the C’s uncovered in lots of lineups. I’m watching intently to see how Udoka toggles the energy of this crew of their switching and the postseason urge to keep away from unfavorable mismatches. There are different methods round it — trapping Durant, for instance — and people wrinkles could possibly be a pleasant ace within the gap for the Celtics late-game.

Will Bjarnar: There’s an attention-grabbing juxtaposition between the paths each of those groups took to get thus far. For the Celtics, getting right here — “right here” being the 2 seed, being thought-about real looking title contenders, posing as a authentic menace to any crew within the NBA, and so forth. — was messy. It was chock-full of adversity and frustration; of real contemplation concerning whether or not or not the crew’s presumed star duo might play collectively; of questions like, “wait, why’d we rent this man?” However their turnaround, maybe probably the most well-documented and celebrated triumph in latest reminiscence for the Celtics, has rewritten the script on what is feasible for this crew. As a result of by all accounts, they weren’t purported to be right here.

The Nets, alternatively, had been purported to be “right here” — wherever “right here” is for the idealized model of that crew — from the soar. A core of superstars, a vivid coach, a supporting solid stuffed with scrappy swingman sorts. This iteration of the Brooklyn Nets at all times felt tailored for a championship run. And but, they wanted a play-in recreation to qualify for the postseason, a destiny nobody ever would’ve predicted a crew led by a KD-Kyrie duo would see. They began on the high and located themselves combating to remain away from the underside.

Now, the groups with reverse journeys will face off within the first spherical. Let the Gods of future have their enjoyable with this one. I, for one, am excited to see the way it all performs out.

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Trevor Hass: How constantly do the Nets get manufacturing from a 3rd supply? If Seth Curry or Patty Mills is hitting 3’s, Bruce Brown or Goran Dragic is penetrating and facilitating or Andre Drummond or Nic Claxton is ending on the rim as a authentic possibility, they’re powerful to cease. Or if that Ben Simmons man does come again, will he be the lacking piece? Both manner, the Celtics need to exert a lot power making an attempt to cease Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving that alternatives shall be there for different Nets. Can they take benefit, or does the Celtics’ super protection forestall that from occurring?

Daniel Poarch: I’m fascinated to see how the Nets plan to include Ben Simmons, if certainly that occurs. Simmons is a sophisticated participant to instrument a roster round (to say the least) even when utterly wholesome and game-ready, and the Nets reportedly consider they’ll be capable to convey him again into the fold within the playoffs for his first recreation motion since Philadelphia’s second spherical loss to Atlanta final postseason. Simply how wholesome is he, precisely? What are the most effective lineups they will construct round him? Can any of their frontcourt gamers even coexist with him? Will he shoot? I don’t know the solutions to any of these questions, and I’m fairly curious to search out out.

Michael Pearce: Essentially the most attention-grabbing storyline, other than the aforementioned Simmons thriller, is the “crew ball” vs. “star ball” conflict. Clearly, the Celtics have 2 stars of their very own, however Kevin Durant remains to be the most effective participant within the sequence, with Kyrie because the third greatest. So, the attention-grabbing storyline would be the Celtics vastly superior supporting solid, and the way they will make up for the Nets having the larger star duo. Due to the energy of the Celtics supporting solid, we’re taking a look at an exciting sequence of two vastly in another way constructed groups.

Keith Smith: Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown vs. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Though that’s probably not the direct matchup, it’s the Celtics stars in opposition to the Nets stars. I’m excited to see if Boston’s guys are prepared. This can be a great problem to see the place they’re at, not solely now, however transferring ahead into the long run.

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Bobby Manning: The fourth quarter execution (Celtics are 7-8 in clutch conditions within the new 12 months, -6.9 internet score). Boston’s been profitable blow outs for a number of months now, however the nature of the playoffs and Robert Williams’ damage challenge to decrease their margins alongside the sheer scoring expertise on the opposite facet in Brooklyn. They’ve shot a grisly 40.9 eFG% within the clutch, and their 63.1 AST% within the new 12 months falls to 55.3%. Their 126-120 win over the Nets featured the Celtics’ most inspiring clutch play all season. However we simply haven’t seen sufficient of this group with out Williams (regardless of some encouraging returns) or in crunch time. Have they turned a nook? That’s what I’m in search of, past any speak of particular person standing ascension among the many sequence’ stars.

Mike Dynon: Is Jayson Tatum KD 2.0?

There could by no means be one other Kevin Durant, the lanky, 6-foot-10 scoring machine feared by all. However Tatum appears to be KD’s more than likely successor.

When Durant led Crew USA to victory in final summer season’s Olympics, Tatum was his wingman, making an impression on the world stage. In NBA competitors, it was solely final month that Tatum dropped 54 factors on Durant and the Nets. And if voters cooperate, JT is positioned to snag the first-team All-NBA spot that’s had Durant’s identify on it for years.

Tatum has the physique, the taking pictures contact, and the killer intuition to be the subsequent Durant. To turn out to be the most effective, one should beat the most effective. No motive Tatum can’t begin proper now.