Analysis of Celtics Games, '21-'22 Season

[Eddie Jurak]

I think this entire game can be summed up in one play. This play:
View: https://twitter.com/celtics/status/1510697017932083202?s=20&t=Ewaq6XAPNiJmVXPtiPOA4A

Boston Celtics: KORNET

When Sam Hauser is creating offense for Luke Kornet, you know it has been a good day.

144-102 win. The Celtics were up only 11 after a surprisingly close first half (70-59), but went 74-43 in the second half, inclduing a 34-20 third quater from the starters and a 40-23 fourth from (mostly) the bench.

39 assists against 7 turnovers, and shot over 50% from three and over 60% from the floor. Seven players in double figures and the 2 who did not get there (Smart, Theis) played well.

Brown led the way with 32, giving him 9 straight games with at least 25.

 

[Van Everyman]

Forsberg just said it on the postgame but Jaylen may be taking a bit of a leap himself right now. Yowza.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

Forsberg just said it on the postgame but Jaylen may be taking a bit of a leap himself right now. Yowza.

Maybe, or he's just returning back to form after a prolonged slump.

 

[Van Everyman]

Well, it coincided with an injury. But yes.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

PP is 25th in the NBA in 3PA/36 at 8.5. That was prior to today's game where he was 4/7 from 3 in 18 minutes. Tatum was 24th, at 8.6. Again, prior to today's game.

I said before I think PP's path to getting paid is ending up in a role similar to Beasley. He'll obviously never match Beasley's volume, but he's not trigger shy at all. Since the DW trade, he's at 9.1 3PA/36 over 22 games. Hitting them at a .454 clip.

Up to .412 for the year now. Last year, he was at .411 and 7.0.

I did not picture him becoming the 8th guy but he's pretty much locked it up and deservedly so.

PP: 949 minutes played, 94/228 from 3.
GW: 1793 minutes played, 104/249 from 3. .418. 5.0 3PA/36.

Pretty crazy how bench shooting has become a strength. I guess there's some doubt how PP's 3PA/36 would actually hold up over 24-25 mpg instead of 15-20... but the 15-20 he's out there, he lets it rain.

He's become the guy the C's were rumored to be trading for (a Duncan/Beasley type). I wonder if he gets more of a role next year, though I'm not sure where the minutes would come from.

 

[128]

Three regular-season games remaining for the C's. Would one win assure them of finishing no worse than No. 4 in the East? They're No. 2 right now.

Raptors have five games left and they might win 'em all.

 

[jmcc5400]

Three regular-season games remaining for the C's. Would one win assure them of finishing no worse than No. 4 in the East? They're No. 2 right now.

Raptors have five games left and they might win 'em all.

I think so. They'd win a head to head tiebreaker with Philly and Toronto if either tied at 50-32. In a three way tie at 50-32, I think Toronto wins the division and the three seed, the Celts would be 4th and the Sixers 5th.

Edit: Nope, I'm wrong. I think Toronto has the h2h tiebreaker against the Celtics based on divisional record. So, Celtics could still end up 5th if Toronto wins out and Philly can get to 51.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

Three regular-season games remaining for the C's. Would one win assure them of finishing no worse than No. 4 in the East? They're No. 2 right now.

Raptors have five games left and they might win 'em all.

Toronto would need to win out to reach 50. If Toronto did, that would mean kocking off Philly and Miami.

If Philly beat everyone but Toronto, then they would finish with 51.

If Milwaukee wins out including beating Boston, they get 52.

If Miami wins out except Toronto, they get 53.

If all of that happens, then the Celtics finish in 4th if they win one (since that gives them 50 and they win the tiebreaker over Toronto) or 5th if they drop all three.

But all of that requires Toronto to win out - if they lose one then the best they can do is tie Boston and lose the tiebreaker.

Boston's last 3 games are at Chicago, at Milwaukee, at Memphis. Memphis is embedded in second plae no matter what they do so this win should be there for Boston if they need it. If Boston wins out I think they can get to second.

 

[jmcc5400]

I edited my post while you were posting - I think Toronto wins a head to head tiebreaker with the Celtics. They went 2-2 against each other and Toronto would have an 11-5 divisional record versus 9-7 for the Celtics if they both were to end up tied at 50-32.

Edit: If the Celtics win out they can do no worse than 2nd and would win a tiebreaker with Miami for the No. 1 seed should it come to that.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

I edited my post while you were posting - I think Toronto wins a head to head tiebreaker with the Celtics. They went 2-2 against each other and Toronto would have an 11-5 divisional record versus 9-7 for the Celtics if they both were to end up tied at 50-32.

Edit: If the Celtics win out they can do no worse than 2nd and would win a tiebreaker with Miami for the No. 1 seed should it come to that.

There is some thought that Milwaukee and Philly are angling for the 3 and 4 seeds, so as to avoid a possible Brooklyn matchup in round one. If that's the case I suspect that Giannis may be taking a maintenance day when Boston visits.

 

[jmcc5400]

There is some thought that Milwaukee and Philly are angling for the 3 and 4 seeds, so as to avoid a possible Brooklyn matchup in round one. If that's the case I suspect that Giannis may be taking a maintenance day when Boston visits.

Both Philly and Milwaukee having losing records (and thus lose tiebreakers) against Toronto. Until Toronto has a 33rd loss (part of me wants Miami to hand it to them today), Philly, Milwaukee and Boston are all playing with fire if they value home court in the first round.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

Both Philly and Milwaukee having losing records (and thus lose tiebreakers) against Toronto. Until Toronto has a 33rd loss (part of me wants Miami to hand it to them today), Philly, Milwaukee and Boston are all playing with fire if they value home court in the first round.

This end of season looks like it could be very climactic, but also anticlimactic. I think that if Toronto loses one and Boston defeats Chicago, then we're in anticlimactic mode for the last 2 games.

 

[Jimbodandy]

Well, it coincided with an injury. But yes.

You're both right. Jaylen's overall game is returning to form post-injury and post-slump (lots of overlap).

I think that his passing has continued to progress even through the slump, which is a big deal. He's making fantastic decisions and seems to be playing more naturally and less mechanically. He's getting guys a lot of good looks.

 

[RorschachsMask]

Jaylen is moving off the ball far more than he ever has (he’s doubled his cut % over the last 6 weeks or so), and he’s making quick attacks when he catches the pass. JB attacking with momentum, against either a rotating or out of position defender? It’s not even fair.

And it makes it easier on him as a playmaker. Instead of trying to drive against a set defense and initiate for others, he’s attacking quickly before the defense has a chance to collapse. I think that’s why his turnovers are way down, as well.

Him figuring out/accepting his role has been massive, for him and the offense.

 

[chilidawg]

Since the trade deadline, 3pt%s:
PP 46%
Al 41%
Tatum 40%
GW 39%
Jaylen 39%
Smart 34%
White 29%

White's shot seems to be coming around the last few games, in which case that's a lot of guys shooting 3s well. So key for the C's.

 

[benhogan]

Since the trade deadline, 3pt%s:
PP 46%
Al 41%
Tatum 40%
GW 39%
Jaylen 39%
Smart 34%
White 29%

White's shot seems to be coming around the last few games, in which case that's a lot of guys shooting 3s well. So key for the C's.

Those are some ridiculous #s

I'm surprised Grant is at 39%, it has felt like he's been on a month-long slump from his CornerOffice

I really like that PP/Grant/DW/Tatum/DT lineup to start Q2, feels like they are stealing minutes for the starters while Tatum drives the lane or kicks to PP/GW for Corner3s

 

[benhogan]

Only one I would have done, but I think I'm the one who originally proposed it anyway.

The Murray/Vassell and Murray/Johnson FTI were interesting but I'm not a huge fan of Murray and I'm not sold on Johnson or Vassell becoming stars, never mind better than Jaylen.. I think it's all but a given Haliburton will be in JB's tier, with the possibility of being better. Some posters read my Haliburton love as JB hate, but I like JB. I'm just insanely high on Haliburton. I thought he'd be averaging closer to 20/10 with Indiana but 17.2/9.5 isn't far off. Shooting .493/.426/.836 in that time.

Johnson and Vassell aren't as well rounded. They are 22 and 21 respectively, so they still have plenty of time to take a leap. Haliburton just turned 22 himself, so same holds true for him.

Maybe someone can sell me on Murray but I think he's sort of like Marcus Smart with Russell Westbrooks stat padding ability. I'd be fine with him on the team if he were replacing Marcus, not Jaylen.

Yea I think the Haliburton/Barnes for JB fake trade was originally yours (I did a quick scan & noticed you posted before myself). I liked it the best out of all of the suggestions (Murray/Spurs & SGA/OKC were the others).
Sacramento was nutz to do the Sabonis (who I like) deal and should have used Fox as the carrot

I'm more than fine with keeping JB and getting White. This team is set for the next few seasons with some minor tweaks, internal signings and a Horford decision by next January.

 

[Jimbodandy]

Those are some ridiculous #s

I'm surprised Grant is at 39%, it has felt like he's been on a month-long slump from his CornerOffice

That is a slump for Grant.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

Well. Along with Boston, Miami and Philly win, Toronto loses. Here are all the teams that could finish with at least as many wins as Boston.

1. Miami, 51 wins. Remaining opponents: CHA, ATL, ORL
2. Boston, 49 wins. Remaining opponents: CHI, MIL, MEM
3. Philly, 48 wins. Remaining opponents: IND, TOR, IND, DET
4. Milwaukee, 48 wins. Remaining opponents: CHI, BOS, DET, CLE
5. Toronto, 45 wins. Remaining opponents: ATL, PHI, HOU, NYK
6. Chicago, 45 wins. Remaining opponents: MIL, BOS, CHA, MIN

Tomorrow:

Philly at Indiana
Charlotte at Miami
Atlanta at Toronto
Milwaukee at Chicago
Off: Boston

If Philly and Milwaukee win, they pull even with Boston in the standings - if they lose they fall behind by a game. If Chicago loses they can no longer catch Boston; same for Toronto. If Chicago AND Toronot both lose, then Boston clinches at least a 4 seed.

 

[jmcc5400]

Well. Along with Boston, Miami and Philly win, Toronto loses. Here are all the teams that could finish with at least as many wins as Boston.

1. Miami, 51 wins. Remaining opponents: CHA, ATL, ORL
2. Boston, 49 wins. Remaining opponents: CHI, MIL, MEM
3. Philly, 48 wins. Remaining opponents: IND, TOR, IND, DET
4. Milwaukee, 48 wins. Remaining opponents: CHI, BOS, DET, CLE
5. Toronto, 45 wins. Remaining opponents: ATL, PHI, HOU, NYK
6. Chicago, 45 wins. Remaining opponents: MIL, BOS, CHA, MIN

Tomorrow:

Philly at Indiana
Charlotte at Miami
Atlanta at Toronto
Milwaukee at Chicago
Off: Boston

If Philly and Milwaukee win, they pull even with Boston in the standings - if they lose they fall behind by a game. If Chicago loses they can no longer catch Boston; same for Toronto. If Chicago AND Toronot both lose, then Boston clinches at least a 4 seed.

“Tomorrow’s” games are actually Tuesday. The NBA is yielding to the NCAA final tomorrow.

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

Good article about the Cs troubles vs high PnR against IND: https://www.celticsblog.com/2022/4/2/23007342/parquet-plays-indiana-pacers-high-pick-and-roll-boston-celtics-tyrese-haliburton-grant-williams. They had same trouble v MIA too. As Scal said, they'd better figure this out because they are going to see a ton of it.

 

[Jimbodandy]

Good article about the Cs troubles vs high PnR against IND: https://www.celticsblog.com/2022/4/2/23007342/parquet-plays-indiana-pacers-high-pick-and-roll-boston-celtics-tyrese-haliburton-grant-williams. They had same trouble v MIA too. As Scal said, they'd better figure this out because they are going to see a ton of it.

They have gone to a lot more "5's stick together" actions instead of switching everything. It hasn't gone well.

 

[tbrown_01923]

i wonder if they are trying to add a new wrinkle to the defense with the "5s stick". They had not relied on that approach with Rob on the bench...

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

i wonder if they are trying to add a new wrinkle to the defense with the "5s stick". They had not relied on that approach with Rob on the bench...

My WAG is that they are trying to keep their bigs closer to the rim now that they don't have TL to swat everything away. You don't see Al guarding guys on the perimeter much in the last few games.

 

[chilidawg]

Since the trade deadline:

18-5 1st
+12.6/100 1st
38.6 3pt% 2nd
49.5 FG% 3rd
27.6 Apg 6th
5.8 Bpg 2nd

Pretty nice run.

 

[Beale13]

I'm holding out hope for what I think is the realistically possible best case scenario. Celtics 2 seed, Philly 3, Bucks 4, Nets 8. I love our second round chances with home court advantage against Philly, and with us only have to play one of Miami or Bucks to get through the East, with the added possibility of the Nets or Bucks taking out Miami and giving us home court throughout. This obviously requires us winning against the Bucks and at least one of the other two games. Awful schedule luck that Bucks are the back end of a two-fer.

 

[the moops]

I'm holding out hope for what I think is the realistically possible best case scenario. Celtics 2 seed, Philly 3, Bucks 4, Nets 8. I love our second round chances with home court advantage against Philly, and with us only have to play one of Miami or Bucks to get through the East, with the added possibility of the Nets or Bucks taking out Miami and giving us home court throughout. This obviously requires us winning against the Bucks and at least one of the other two games. Awful schedule luck that Bucks are the back end of a two-fer.

Also, want CLE to finish 7th, and TOR/CHI to occupy the 5/6 is some order

 

[benhogan]

I'm holding out hope for what I think is the realistically possible best case scenario. Celtics 2 seed, Philly 3, Bucks 4, Nets 8. I love our second round chances with home court advantage against Philly, and with us only have to play one of Miami or Bucks to get through the East, with the added possibility of the Nets or Bucks taking out Miami and giving us home court throughout. This obviously requires us winning against the Bucks and at least one of the other two games. Awful schedule luck that Bucks are the back end of a two-fer.

Ha, here is seeding nirvana
1. MIAMI
2. Celtics
3. PHI
4. MIL
5. TOR
6. CHI
7. CLEVE
8. ATL

I want the Nets out and for Durant to divorce his girlfriend (Kyrie)

ATL is playing well enough to give Miami (or Boston) a 1st round migraine.

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

Ha, here is seeding nirvana
1. MIAMI
2. Celtics
3. PHI
4. MIL
5. TOR
6. CHI
7. CLEVE
8. ATL

I want the Nets out and for Durant to divorce his girlfriend (Kyrie)

ATL is playing well enough to give Miami (or Boston) a 1st round migraine.

538 current predictions of making playoffs have CLE at 64%, ATL at 60%, BRK at 51%, and CHA at 25%. I guess that means that they BRK probably coming in as the 9 seed and being approximately 60-70% favorites against CHA, CLE, and ATL (note that CLE plays @ BRK on 4.8 and 538 current odds has BRK as 72% favorite).

However, given that ATL has been playing well; CLE will have Mobley back and probably will have Allen back; and maybe CHA getting Hayward back lifts that team, it would certainly be satisfying if BRK was knocked out of the playoffs during the tournament.

 

[RorschachsMask]

Celtics are the most efficient cutting team in the league on the season, at 1.41 PPP. Tatum and Rob lead the team at 1.53, but really everyone has been really good. They’ve all been cutting significantly more over the last few months as well, especially Jaylen.

The buy-in that Ime and the staff has gotten is pretty remarkable.

 

[Jimbodandy]

Celtics are the most efficient cutting team in the league on the season, at 1.41 PPP. Tatum and Rob lead the team at 1.53, but really everyone has been really good. They’ve all been cutting significantly more over the last few months as well, especially Jaylen.

The buy-in that Ime and the staff has gotten is pretty remarkable.

Highlight of Ime's coaching resume imo. The defense stuff has been awesome too but not unexpected, since it was gradual. The cutting and all of the actions leveraging them have been a joy to watch.

 

[DourDoerr]

Highlight of Ime's coaching resume imo. The defense stuff has been awesome too but not unexpected, since it was gradual. The cutting and all of the actions leveraging them have been a joy to watch.

+1. It's been one of the biggest keys to the offense since the rebirth (birth?). They were cutting earlier in the season, but many times the ball handler either had their head down or wasn't ready to fire the ball. Now they're all on hair triggers all the time. Great basketball.

 

[Jed Zeppelin]

Celtics are the most efficient cutting team in the league on the season, at 1.41 PPP. Tatum and Rob lead the team at 1.53, but really everyone has been really good. They’ve all been cutting significantly more over the last few months as well, especially Jaylen.

The buy-in that Ime and the staff has gotten is pretty remarkable.

This was the most frustrating thing about recent Celtics teams, with guys pounding the ball through the floor.

The size/speed/strength/finishing of Jaylen and Tatum just made it crazy not to have these guys getting the ball on the move toward the hoop all the time. Once the process is ingrained, reinforcing it has been easy because they are constantly getting the positive reinforcement of easy buckets and effortless 25 point nights that look just as good on the stat sheet as a bunch of contested threes.

Not to mention the rest of the team is hugely bought in because they are all touching the ball, getting clean looks and themselves being put in position to succeed and contribute to wins. It has made for much better optimization of the players on the roster.

 

[benhogan]

This was the most frustrating thing about recent Celtics teams, with guys pounding the ball through the floor.

The size/speed/strength/finishing of Jaylen and Tatum just made it crazy not to have these guys getting the ball on the move toward the hoop all the time. Once the process is ingrained, reinforcing it has been easy because they are constantly getting the positive reinforcement of easy buckets and effortless 25 point nights that look just as good on the stat sheet as a bunch of contested threes.

Not to mention the rest of the team is hugely bought in because they are all touching the ball, getting clean looks and themselves being put in position to succeed and contribute to wins. It has made for much better optimization of the players on the roster.

+1
the pound the ball between the legs, ISO-Coma, Harden-esque nonsense that defined this team last year/first few months is gone. IME deserves a ton of credit for instilling his .5 offense. He broke a lot of bad habits

The 1 on 4 ISO in the half-court, hunting for the whistle, is a relic of a bygone era. Can't wait until the Sixers lock James up to his next massive deal. Anchors away matey!

 

[ManicCompression]

Last season Scal called out that Jaylen and Tatum were incredible at hitting hard shots, but that was the extent of the offense - relying on the Jays to hit difficult off the dribble jumpers.

Between the roster improvements and scheme improvements, it feels like open shots are the norm for the offense, but the Jays have the end-of-shot-clock skill in the quiver if they need it. So much more fun to watch as a fan.

 

[Saints Rest]

Last season Scal called out that Jaylen and Tatum were incredible at hitting hard shots, but that was the extent of the offense - relying on the Jays to hit difficult off the dribble jumpers.

Between the roster improvements and scheme improvements, it feels like open shots are the norm for the offense, but the Jays have the end-of-shot-clock skill in the quiver if they need it. So much more fun to watch as a fan.

Maybe it's because I cut my Celtic teeth on Larry Bird, but to me there is nothing more beautiful than a pass threading the needle to an open cutter. Marcus Smart has really elevated his game in this regard. But it's not just him; it's TimeLord, Tatum, Big Al, etc. It was even nice to see the first tow highlights in that Nesmith reel from the Wizards game were both nice passes.

 

[jmcc5400]

Maybe it's because I cut my Celtic teeth on Larry Bird, but to me there is nothing more beautiful than a pass threading the needle to an open cutter. Marcus Smart has really elevated his game in this regard. But it's not just him; it's TimeLord, Tatum, Big Al, etc. It was even nice to see the first tow highlights in that Nesmith reel from the Wizards game were both nice passes.

Since White showed up, the Celtics are averaging 27.3 assists per game, which would put them slightly above Phoenix for 4th in the league. Uncoincidentally, San Antonio leads the league at 28.0 per game (for the year, the Celtics are middle of the pack - 14th at 24.6 per game). I don't mean to suggest that this is all because of White, but I do think there is a definite correlation.

 

[ManicCompression]

Since White showed up, the Celtics are averaging 27.3 assists per game, which would put them slightly above Phoenix for 4th in the league. Uncoincidentally, San Antonio leads the league at 28.0 per game (for the year, the Celtics are middle of the pack - 14th at 24.6 per game). I don't mean to suggest that this is all because of White, but I do think there is a definite correlation.

I'd absolutely agree because we went from a negative value passer in those minutes (Schroeder, Richardson) to a positive value one (White). I think also having a clearer hierarchy of who should be scoring is encouraging the "hockey assist" type passes across the board.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

After an unhelpful night for the C's, here is where we are:

1. Miami, 52 wins. Highest: 54. Remaining opponents: ATL, ORL
2. Boston, 49 wins. Highest: 52. Remaining opponents: CHI, MIL, MEM
3. Philly, 49 wins. Highest: 52. Remaining opponents: TOR, IND, DET
4. Milwaukee, 49 wins. Highest: 52. Remaining opponents: BOS, DET, CLE
5. Toronto, 46 wins. Highest: 49. Remaining opponents: PHI, HOU, NYK
-----------------------------------------
6. Chicago, 45 wins. Highest: 48. Remaining opponents: BOS, CHA, MIN
-----------------------------------------
7. Cleveland, 43 wins. Highest: 45. Remaining opponents: BRK, MIL

Chicago is no longer able to crack the top 4. But Chicago owns the #6 seed - even if Cleveland wins its last two Chicago owns the head to head tiebreaker.

Today's only game of intersst is Boston vs Chicago. A win here clinches a top 4 seed - and this should be a winnable game. The Celtics are better, rested, and have more to play for.

 

[k-factory]

Nets likely win out now - so the 2 seed is more perilous without TL in round 1. They’re a sieve so should be ok but it’s not a layup.
Its not easy engineering a path to the 3 seed tho. Assuming the win tonight, let’s say Ime benches starters tomorrow and we lose to the Bucks but Philly beats Toronto now we are pretty much locked as the 4 playing Toronto in Round 1.
Is the Raptors/Heat path more desirable for a TL mid second round return or Nets/Bucks?

A lot hinges on that Sixers/Raptors matchup tomorrow night.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

I think Boston will beat Memphis if they want to - Memphis owns the 2 seed so will be resting regulars.

If the C's win tonight they clinch 4th and then we'll see what they do against the Bucks.

 

[DGreenwood]

I think Boston will beat Memphis if they want to - Memphis owns the 2 seed so will be resting regulars.

If the C's win tonight they clinch 4th and then we'll see what they do against the Bucks.

And Memphis will be on the second game of a back-to-back and the Celtics will be coming off two rest days. Seems like a schedule win if it benefits the Cs at all to put in the effort.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

GW is at .418 from 3 and PP is at .412. Would be something if PP sneaks in at the end of the season to lead the C's in 3 point %. Especially given his struggles in the early part of the season.

I was really excited about PP for the first few weeks or so if his rookie year but than realized how limited he was. He's still limited but I'm starting to get some of that excitement back.

I probably have a slight biased towards offense. With that said, it feels like the C's have heavily favored one sided defensive players over one sided offensive players. Roster sizes are 15, there's room for both. It's nice to finally have a volume 3 guy off the bench, and one who is an elite or as close to elite as a shooter as you can get.

Do people still feel the same way about PP's release and what not? It's per 36 and attempts don't necessarily describe game situation, but he's 24th in the league at 3PA/36 at 8.6. Tatum is 25th at 8.5. Tatum also does it over 36 minutes a game while PP does his in 14. Over his last 11, he's at 20.0 mpg and 10.26 3PA/36.

With how the roster is build, I don't see PP getting much more than 18-20 mpg next year, but do people think the volume would hold up over 25-27 minutes? To me, it looks like he's having an easier time getting his shot off than last season. He's also far less hesitant.

I thought the FVV comps were laughable and still do but I can see Beasley lite.

 

[HowBoutDemSox]

I can’t believe this team reached 50 wins, given how out of sorts they looked early in the season. Kudos to Ime and his staff for having a plan, for the players for doing the work and buying in, and to the front office for tweaking the roster.

 

[reggiecleveland]

They look really good. I know I get on people for fanboy , optimistic, posts, but if TL can come back, the playing time anmd cofidence Theis is gaining makes the forward line stronger.

 

[DeJesus Built My Hotrod]

KOC...come back!

This team with TL can contend for a title. It also would not be completely shocking if they won it even if he is out longer than expected or is diminished a bit. They are otherwise healthy, connected and their style of play travels. It won't be easy but this team can pull it off.

 

[DourDoerr]

They look really good. I know I get on people for fanboy , optimistic, posts, but if TL can come back, the playing time anmd cofidence Theis is gaining makes the forward line stronger.

+1. Theis has been a revelation this go round. The previous iteration was a good rotation big, but he was also a foul machine, fumbled passes and sometimes made it harder for himself to finish around the rim. Now, he's catching passes in traffic and knifing to the rim. He's taking alley oops and converting and playing good team D while keeping the fouls to a minimum. It didn't get the biggest headlines and they're far from the biggest names, but the additions of White and Theis should be graded A+++. The effect they've had on the team - and it's a team game - can't be overstated. The season was saved - although it took TL's absence for Theis to prove his worth. Ime's now a CoY candidate, MS found his best self, and the talk of JT and/or JB bailing on a floundering franchise seems to be as dead as the Laker's playoff aspirations.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

After the win, here is where we are:

1. Miami, 52 wins. Highest: 54. Remaining opponents: ATL, ORL
2. Boston, 50 wins. Highest: 52. Remaining opponents: MIL, MEM
3. Philly, 49 wins. Highest: 52. Remaining opponents: TOR, IND, DET
4. Milwaukee, 49 wins. Highest: 52. Remaining opponents: BOS, DET, CLE
5. Toronto, 46 wins. Highest: 49. Remaining opponents: PHI, HOU, NYK
6. Chicago, 45 wins. Highest: 48. Remaining opponents: CHA, MIN

Toronto can no longer catch the C's, sho are now guaranteed a top 4 finish.

Today's games of interest are Boston at Milwaukee and Philly at Toronto. We'll know a lot more about how 2 through 5 will shake out after tonight.

Karalis in his game summary suggested that the C's give Horford the night off against Milwaukee. That would certainly affect their chance to win. Last night no Celtice other than Jaylen played more than 30 minutes. And the Celtics will get some pre-playoff rest during the play-in games. So they don't need to rest everyone, but at his age maybe resting Horford is advisable.

 

[NomarsFool]

They do have two days off after today and Sunday’s game may be meaningless. It’s a tough call, but I think they still try to win tonight. They could also play it by ear and see how the game is going; i.e shut Horford down if they fall behind early.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

They do have two days off after today and Sunday’s game may be meaningless. It’s a tough call, but I think they still try to win tonight. They could also play it by ear and see how the game is going; i.e shut Horford down if they fall behind early.

I think they will be trying enough to not sit everyone. But Horford could be a special case. I could see them sitting Horford and trying to win. I think I’d be surprised if they did a wholesale sitting of the varsity like in Toronto.