I simply couldn’t match these in with the remainder of the questions.
The Subsequent Banner
Which workforce from the East do you assume could be the hardest matchup for the Celtics within the playoffs?
RobVersionOne
Which workforce is the most important hurdle to the celtics successful the chip this 12 months? I’m not simply speaking about information however who has the celtics mentally beat or has the instruments (gamers, teaching, system) to offer the celtics suits?
the bucks gave us the most important beatdown this 12 months however i’m not afraid 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… largely 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 have the ability 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 largely 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 typically 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 possibly 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 a number of other months lease 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 workforce is the way in which that Maxey has emerged. He’s simply the type 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 workforce 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 assume they play sufficient protection to be an actual critical risk within the East however they’ll make life depressing for anybody taking part in 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 workforce isn’t going to again down from anybody. Randle is a little bit of a wildcard (for good or dangerous) however OG Anunoby is simply the right addition for them. I additionally like Hart, Grimes, and Treasured. I don’t know if they’ve sufficient prime degree expertise simply but, however they’re going to be a really robust out for anybody.
Cleveland Cavaliers – This workforce is the polar reverse of the Knicks. There’s lots of prime finish expertise, however by some means they haven’t found out easy methods to make all of it work. I’m very completely happy that they didn’t add somebody like Anunoby that might have related issues nicely. I nonetheless imagine in Mobley long run, however he may want a barely totally different forged round him to totally understand his potential. After all as quickly as I put them this low on the record, watch them be that one workforce that goes on a run within the playoffs.
Honorable point out: Orlando Magic – Most likely a 12 months or two away from being really harmful, however these guys can play already. Banchero is usually 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 nicely, 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. Nevertheless it may very well be now. However Jokic. However possibly. 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 an excellent probability at taking part in some good protection. Add in a revitalized James Harden (knock on wooden) and an ideal coach and also you’ve obtained a workforce to recon with. Simply maintain lots 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’ll 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.
