I simply couldn’t match these in with the remainder of the questions.
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Which group from the East do you suppose can be the hardest matchup for the Celtics within the playoffs?
RobVersionOne
Which group 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 present the celtics suits?
the bucks gave us the most important beatdown this 12 months however i’m not frightened 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).
Jap 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 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 in opposition to anybody. What actually scares me about this group 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 group clicking on all cylinders earlier than getting harm. 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 severe 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 purpose 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 group 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 right addition for them. I additionally like Hart, Grimes, and Valuable. 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 group is the polar reverse of the Knicks. There’s a number of high finish expertise, however someway they haven’t found out the best way to make all of it work. I’m very pleased that they didn’t add somebody like Anunoby that would have related issues nicely. I nonetheless imagine in Mobley long run, however he would possibly want a barely totally different forged round him to completely understand his potential. In fact as quickly as I put them this low on the listing, watch them be that one group 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 could be 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. Greatest participant alive. Sufficient stated.
OKC Thunder – The time is now. Until it’s subsequent 12 months. But it surely could possibly 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 could have a wholesome (knock on wooden) Kawhi and Paul George, you could have a superb likelihood at taking part in some good protection. Add in a revitalized James Harden (knock on wooden) and an amazing coach and also you’ve received a group to recon with. Simply maintain 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 fully 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.