Will Joe stick with the double big line up vs Miami?

[radiohead]

What do you guys think? Will he go back to DW as starter to better defend Miami’s shooters? Or will he stick to the double big line up which has been marvelous the past two games?

[Celtics2021]

Considering the Heat are starting Love next to Bam, I imagine he’ll go with the double big initially.  I think the first starting lineup change will come from Spoelstra, going small to try to force the C’s out of the double big lineup.

[Roy H.]

I think he has to stay with two bigs.

[ozgod]

I think he stays with 2 bigs. It's working right now. The only reason they would go back to White starting is if Joe thought their spacing wasn't good enough to generate offense, to the point where it would be a net gain to have a smaller lineup that can play a five-out offense.

But if you look at the numbers, White has tailed off somewhat from his great form from January. He's still solid, and obviously he's a great perimeter defender and 2nd team All-NBA, but he's not quite as irresistible as he was when people were saying Joe should drop Marcus from the starting lineup and play him. Obviously his minutes are down, so his raw numbers are down, but his efficiency is down as well.

(click to enlarge)



Obviously a lot of it can change after the Game 1 experience. How Miami play us could influence the lineup. But to me the starting lineup just sets the tone, it's who plays throughout the game and who finishes that matters, and I think we'll see a lot more of Rob than we have been, whether he starts or not.

In any case, Derrick is the ultimate team guy:

“I’m not entitled to that spot,” he said. “If it’s what’s best for the team, we go with that. Rob’s a great player, so I was with it ... I was all for it.”

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/derrick-white-has-maintained-his-focus-since-being-replaced-in-the-celtics-starting-lineup-i-m-not-entitled-to-that-spot/ar-AA1b9oYJ

[trickybilly]

Great video here explaining how this worked:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSzqzNQi_A8

From 6.16 to 7.30 he breaks down some incredible clips of Horford recovering to Embiid allowing the handler space in the lane, BUT with Rob lurking ignoring his man (usually PJ or Harris) to threaten at the rim.

I feel that Miami (Butler) will be far more aggressive than Harden when he has space. I wouldn't be surprised if White picks up Butler for large chunks, and we play the pick and roll by switching the big onto Butler when he starts he drive.... Then just live with the mismatch created onto Bam/Love.

[cman88]

I think he has to stay with two bigs.

yeah, i mean how can you go back after the success it had? the 2 big lineup is what saved our season essentially. we went from being a sieve to holding the sixers to under 90 with suffocating defense.

Only thing is, will the sixers try and take the celtics out of it by having Kevin Love peel out and shoot 3's. Then again looking at his stats this playoffs hes certainly not the same guy so you may take that (like you took the PJ tucker 3's) vs someone else

[Kernewek]

I think he has to stay with two bigs.

yeah, i mean how can you go back after the success it had? the 2 big lineup is what saved our season essentially. we went from being a sieve to holding the sixers to under 90 with suffocating defense.

Only thing is, will the sixers try and take the celtics out of it by having Kevin Love peel out and shoot 3's. Then again looking at his stats this playoffs hes certainly not the same guy so you may take that (like you took the PJ tucker 3's) vs someone else

Think the Sixers would have loved to have someone like Kevin Love in the last series 

But it's a reasonable concern - except that Kevin Love is a far cry from the player he used to be.

[scaryjerry]

Uh, the double big lineup change potentially changed our season and shifted the mentality of this team. Absolutely have to stick with it until you lose multiple games using it.

[Birdman]

Yes..wear down Bam, put Blake or Kornet to bang him around also

[liam]

I think a lot more guys can play in the series. I like Blake matching up against Love at times.

[PAOBoston]

I would think they kind of have to no? Miami starts Bam and K Love together so think Cs need to counter that. Think the Cs have a good size advantage in the front court. That should be a strength this series.

Also, I think it helps the Cs mentally and gives them an edge to start games. I think going full offense to start makes them lackadaisical.

[Roy H.]

Bobby Manning: Robert Williams will start Game 1 of #Celtics #Heat, Joe Mazzulla said.

[SHAQATTACK]

I get worried about Spo throwing the Zone D at the starters .     

[liam]

I get worried about Spo throwing the Zone D at the starters .     

I think Tatum busts the hell out of that zone!

[PAOBoston]

I get worried about Spo throwing the Zone D at the starters .     

I think Tatum busts the hell out of that zone!

Considering their backcourt and wing matchup disadvantages, I’d assume they stay in zone a lot.