NBA Season 2021-22

[Moranis]

Injuries happen every year.  Even last year Milwaukee lost its starting SG in the 3rd playoff game and was without Giannis for 2 full games in the ECF and yet it still won the title because it is so well constructed (plus they have Giannis).  Middleton being out is a major blow to Milwaukee.  If both teams were fully healthy Milwaukee would have won this series already as they are simply a better team with BY FAR the best player on the floor.  Boston needs to win this game as that is its best shot a title in over a decade.  They have to capitalize on Middleton being out.

[Neurotic Guy]

Injuries happen every year.  Even last year Milwaukee lost its starting SG in the 3rd playoff game and was without Giannis for 2 full games in the ECF and yet it still won the title because it is so well constructed (plus they have Giannis).  Middleton being out is a major blow to Milwaukee.  If both teams were fully healthy Milwaukee would have won this series already as they are simply a better team with BY FAR the best player on the floor. Boston needs to win this game as that is its best shot a title in over a decade.  They have to capitalize on Middleton being out.

Unnecessarily provocative post. You’re probably wrong that there is a big difference between the teams at full strength - regular season is proof of that. Might this have been over at this point with Bucks winning? Of course it’s possible, but equally likely that the series would be heading into Game 7.

[td450]

Injuries happen every year.  Even last year Milwaukee lost its starting SG in the 3rd playoff game and was without Giannis for 2 full games in the ECF and yet it still won the title because it is so well constructed (plus they have Giannis).  Middleton being out is a major blow to Milwaukee.  If both teams were fully healthy Milwaukee would have won this series already as they are simply a better team with BY FAR the best player on the floor.  Boston needs to win this game as that is its best shot a title in over a decade.  They have to capitalize on Middleton being out.

Middleton is clearly a bigger factor than Rob, but when Rob is really cooking, the Celtics team defense is historically great. The gap is there, but it isn't as big as you imply. In Middleton's absence, they have gone huge, and it has been a problem.  With RWill and Middleton both playing, that advantage disappears.

I'd also point out that Middleton's replacements, have been outstanding. The super huge lineups have been a problem and Connaughton and Matthews have shot unusually well. I'm not so sure Middleton would be so great against Tatum and Brown straight up now that they are entering their prime.

This Milwaukee team is built in the classic fashion to win a title. They have the game's clearly most dominant player, a very good coach and a team built to support him. That this Celtics team looks even stronger is an amazing thing. If we win today, we should all realize just how great a group this is historically. Team's without a top 3 MVP candidate do sometimes win, but almost always because the dominant players at that time haven't separated themselves from the pack.

We are going toe to toe with a historically dominant player in his prime, someone with a title under his belt, he's playing spectacular basketball and we still may walk off as winners. We've got quite a team.

[SparzWizard]

Oh my. Dallas/Phoenix game has Zach Zarba AND Tony Brothers?! RIP

[Phantom255x]

Oh my. Dallas/Phoenix game has Zach Zarba AND Tony Brothers?! RIP

No Scott Foster though, so Phoenix can breathe a sigh of relief

 

[tazzmaniac]

Injuries happen every year.  Even last year Milwaukee lost its starting SG in the 3rd playoff game and was without Giannis for 2 full games in the ECF and yet it still won the title because it is so well constructed (plus they have Giannis).  Middleton being out is a major blow to Milwaukee.  If both teams were fully healthy Milwaukee would have won this series already as they are simply a better team with BY FAR the best player on the floor.  Boston needs to win this game as that is its best shot a title in over a decade.  They have to capitalize on Middleton being out.

Middleton is clearly a bigger factor than Rob, but when Rob is really cooking, the Celtics team defense is historically great. The gap is there, but it isn't as big as you imply. In Middleton's absence, they have gone huge, and it has been a problem.  With RWill and Middleton both playing, that advantage disappears.

I'd also point out that Middleton's replacements, have been outstanding. The super huge lineups have been a problem and Connaughton and Matthews have shot unusually well. I'm not so sure Middleton would be so great against Tatum and Brown straight up now that they are entering their prime.

This Milwaukee team is built in the classic fashion to win a title. They have the game's clearly most dominant player, a very good coach and a team built to support him. That this Celtics team looks even stronger is an amazing thing. If we win today, we should all realize just how great a group this is historically. Team's without a top 3 MVP candidate do sometimes win, but almost always because the dominant players at that time haven't separated themselves from the pack.

We are going toe to toe with a historically dominant player in his prime, someone with a title under his belt, he's playing spectacular basketball and we still may walk off as winners. We've got quite a team.

Connaughton is shooting very well but he would be playing regardless.  It is Mathews and Hill who shouldn't be playing much and they certainly haven't been shooting well.  Mathews is averaging 6.2pts while shooting 37.5% overall and 32% from 3.  Hill is averaging 1.3pts while shooting  25% overall and 25% from 3.  I don't see how anyone could argue that Middleton getting 36 minutes from Mathews and Hill would not be a big difference for the Bucks offensively and defensively. 

Timelord out is a loss but some of that is made up from increased Horford minutes.  Also, the Bucks aren't really taking advantage of Lopez in the paint like they should be. 

[td450]

Injuries happen every year.  Even last year Milwaukee lost its starting SG in the 3rd playoff game and was without Giannis for 2 full games in the ECF and yet it still won the title because it is so well constructed (plus they have Giannis).  Middleton being out is a major blow to Milwaukee.  If both teams were fully healthy Milwaukee would have won this series already as they are simply a better team with BY FAR the best player on the floor.  Boston needs to win this game as that is its best shot a title in over a decade.  They have to capitalize on Middleton being out.

Middleton is clearly a bigger factor than Rob, but when Rob is really cooking, the Celtics team defense is historically great. The gap is there, but it isn't as big as you imply. In Middleton's absence, they have gone huge, and it has been a problem.  With RWill and Middleton both playing, that advantage disappears.

I'd also point out that Middleton's replacements, have been outstanding. The super huge lineups have been a problem and Connaughton and Matthews have shot unusually well. I'm not so sure Middleton would be so great against Tatum and Brown straight up now that they are entering their prime.

This Milwaukee team is built in the classic fashion to win a title. They have the game's clearly most dominant player, a very good coach and a team built to support him. That this Celtics team looks even stronger is an amazing thing. If we win today, we should all realize just how great a group this is historically. Team's without a top 3 MVP candidate do sometimes win, but almost always because the dominant players at that time haven't separated themselves from the pack.

We are going toe to toe with a historically dominant player in his prime, someone with a title under his belt, he's playing spectacular basketball and we still may walk off as winners. We've got quite a team.

Connaughton is shooting very well but he would be playing regardless.  It is Mathews and Hill who shouldn't be playing much and they certainly haven't been shooting well.  Mathews is averaging 6.2pts while shooting 37.5% overall and 32% from 3.  Hill is averaging 1.3pts while shooting  25% overall and 25% from 3.  I don't see how anyone could argue that Middleton getting 36 minutes from Mathews and Hill would not be a big difference for the Bucks offensively and defensively. 

Timelord out is a loss but some of that is made up from increased Horford minutes.  Also, the Bucks aren't really taking advantage of Lopez in the paint like they should be.

We don't know how it would play out. What we do know is that Milwaukee has adjusted and they are playing their best basketball of the year right now. With the exception of the last game, their defense on Tatum has been outstanding, and Giannis and Holiday have taken most of the additional shots. We are missing our starting center, who is an all-NBA level defender and our top rebounder, and Milwaukee as a practical matter is the biggest team in the league.

I just don't see Mailwaukee as getting a dramatic swing if both teams were in perfect health. Robert Williams matters. Jaylen's hamstring has mattered, and Smart missed a game. We'd still be better.

[hpantazo]

Injuries happen every year.  Even last year Milwaukee lost its starting SG in the 3rd playoff game and was without Giannis for 2 full games in the ECF and yet it still won the title because it is so well constructed (plus they have Giannis).  Middleton being out is a major blow to Milwaukee.  If both teams were fully healthy Milwaukee would have won this series already as they are simply a better team with BY FAR the best player on the floor.  Boston needs to win this game as that is its best shot a title in over a decade.  They have to capitalize on Middleton being out.

Middleton is clearly a bigger factor than Rob, but when Rob is really cooking, the Celtics team defense is historically great. The gap is there, but it isn't as big as you imply. In Middleton's absence, they have gone huge, and it has been a problem.  With RWill and Middleton both playing, that advantage disappears.

I'd also point out that Middleton's replacements, have been outstanding. The super huge lineups have been a problem and Connaughton and Matthews have shot unusually well. I'm not so sure Middleton would be so great against Tatum and Brown straight up now that they are entering their prime.

This Milwaukee team is built in the classic fashion to win a title. They have the game's clearly most dominant player, a very good coach and a team built to support him. That this Celtics team looks even stronger is an amazing thing. If we win today, we should all realize just how great a group this is historically. Team's without a top 3 MVP candidate do sometimes win, but almost always because the dominant players at that time haven't separated themselves from the pack.

We are going toe to toe with a historically dominant player in his prime, someone with a title under his belt, he's playing spectacular basketball and we still may walk off as winners. We've got quite a team.

Connaughton is shooting very well but he would be playing regardless.  It is Mathews and Hill who shouldn't be playing much and they certainly haven't been shooting well.  Mathews is averaging 6.2pts while shooting 37.5% overall and 32% from 3.  Hill is averaging 1.3pts while shooting  25% overall and 25% from 3.  I don't see how anyone could argue that Middleton getting 36 minutes from Mathews and Hill would not be a big difference for the Bucks offensively and defensively. 

Timelord out is a loss but some of that is made up from increased Horford minutes.  Also, the Bucks aren't really taking advantage of Lopez in the paint like they should be.

Matthews defense on Tatum has been huge for the Bucks in this series despite his limited offense.

[hpantazo]

Injuries happen every year.  Even last year Milwaukee lost its starting SG in the 3rd playoff game and was without Giannis for 2 full games in the ECF and yet it still won the title because it is so well constructed (plus they have Giannis).  Middleton being out is a major blow to Milwaukee.  If both teams were fully healthy Milwaukee would have won this series already as they are simply a better team with BY FAR the best player on the floor.  Boston needs to win this game as that is its best shot a title in over a decade.  They have to capitalize on Middleton being out.

Middleton is clearly a bigger factor than Rob, but when Rob is really cooking, the Celtics team defense is historically great. The gap is there, but it isn't as big as you imply. In Middleton's absence, they have gone huge, and it has been a problem.  With RWill and Middleton both playing, that advantage disappears.

I'd also point out that Middleton's replacements, have been outstanding. The super huge lineups have been a problem and Connaughton and Matthews have shot unusually well. I'm not so sure Middleton would be so great against Tatum and Brown straight up now that they are entering their prime.

This Milwaukee team is built in the classic fashion to win a title. They have the game's clearly most dominant player, a very good coach and a team built to support him. That this Celtics team looks even stronger is an amazing thing. If we win today, we should all realize just how great a group this is historically. Team's without a top 3 MVP candidate do sometimes win, but almost always because the dominant players at that time haven't separated themselves from the pack.

We are going toe to toe with a historically dominant player in his prime, someone with a title under his belt, he's playing spectacular basketball and we still may walk off as winners. We've got quite a team.

Connaughton is shooting very well but he would be playing regardless.  It is Mathews and Hill who shouldn't be playing much and they certainly haven't been shooting well.  Mathews is averaging 6.2pts while shooting 37.5% overall and 32% from 3.  Hill is averaging 1.3pts while shooting  25% overall and 25% from 3.  I don't see how anyone could argue that Middleton getting 36 minutes from Mathews and Hill would not be a big difference for the Bucks offensively and defensively. 

Timelord out is a loss but some of that is made up from increased Horford minutes.  Also, the Bucks aren't really taking advantage of Lopez in the paint like they should be.

We don't know how it would play out. What we do know is that Milwaukee has adjusted and they are playing their best basketball of the year right now. With the exception of the last game, their defense on Tatum has been outstanding, and Giannis and Holiday have taken most of the additional shots. We are missing our starting center, who is an all-NBA level defender and our top rebounder, and Milwaukee as a practical matter is the biggest team in the league.

I just don't see Mailwaukee as getting a dramatic swing if both teams were in perfect health. Robert Williams matters. Jaylen's hamstring has mattered, and Smart missed a game. We'd still be better.

It's pretty amazing how people forget that Smart missed a game. A must win road game at that.

[hodgy03038]

Let's GO Celts!! For those of you lucky enough to be at the game. Rock that place.

Maybe 5-step Giannis and whiny Budenholzer should have not tried to "avoid" Brooklyn when they gave the last game of season away intentionally trying be the 3 seed. Now they don't have a home game 7.

Game of your lives today Celts!! Let's get it!!!

[kraidstar]

Injuries happen every year.  Even last year Milwaukee lost its starting SG in the 3rd playoff game and was without Giannis for 2 full games in the ECF and yet it still won the title because it is so well constructed (plus they have Giannis).  Middleton being out is a major blow to Milwaukee.  If both teams were fully healthy Milwaukee would have won this series already as they are simply a better team with BY FAR the best player on the floor. Boston needs to win this game as that is its best shot a title in over a decade.  They have to capitalize on Middleton being out.

Unnecessarily provocative post. You’re probably wrong that there is a big difference between the teams at full strength - regular season is proof of that. Might this have been over at this point with Bucks winning? Of course it’s possible, but equally likely that the series would be heading into Game 7.

And the reason people get annoyed is because the provocative posts and condescending statements are almost always anti-Celtic. At some point this just becomes trolling, no? This is supposed to be a Celtics fan site, and the ultra-negative slant gets very old after a while. if this were the 60's he'd be the guy pumping up Wilt and Jerry West all the time.

And the take is wrong again, just like he has been all year. Some serious ego on display. Middleton is good but it's not like Magic missing Kareem or Jordan missing Pippin. Guy is a fringe all-star. I would NOT trade Timelord for him. And honestly is Giannis were officiated fairly this series would have been over in 5 anyways. I just rewatched game 4 yesterday, the stuff he gets away with is an absolute joke.

We were historically good the second half of the season when fully healthy. Timelord is the ultimate eraser at the rim and can stop plays that literally no-one else can. Those plays often lead to fastbreaks and open 3's btw. Our rim protection has been ailing because Al is always guarding Giannis and our help defenders aren't shotblockers. Rob would be having a field day with all the desperation layups they've been taking.

And we are badly missing his lobs and offensive rebounds. The Bucks bigs are collapsing on the Jays with confidence because they know our healthy bigs can't make leaping plays behind them at the rim. But leaving Rob at your back is a critical mistake and will lead to a bucket probably 75% of the time.

It's not surprising people are disrespecting Rob once again. There is a lot of negative energy in this world that obscures vision. But if he gets a chance he will prove himself. We are not losing any series with him healthy.

[kraidstar]

Oh my. Dallas/Phoenix game has Zach Zarba AND Tony Brothers?! RIP

No Scott Foster though, so Phoenix can breathe a sigh of relief

 

Dunno about that. Luka is anointed by the league, I bet Dallas gets a real good whistle tonight.

[hpantazo]

Oh my. Dallas/Phoenix game has Zach Zarba AND Tony Brothers?! RIP

No Scott Foster though, so Phoenix can breathe a sigh of relief

 

Dunno about that. Luka is anointed by the league, I bet Dallas gets a real good whistle tonight.

Is Luka allowed 5+ steps on each drive, and sent to the FT line whenever he charges? He's got nothing on Giannis.

[celticsclay]

Injuries happen every year.  Even last year Milwaukee lost its starting SG in the 3rd playoff game and was without Giannis for 2 full games in the ECF and yet it still won the title because it is so well constructed (plus they have Giannis).  Middleton being out is a major blow to Milwaukee.  If both teams were fully healthy Milwaukee would have won this series already as they are simply a better team with BY FAR the best player on the floor. Boston needs to win this game as that is its best shot a title in over a decade.  They have to capitalize on Middleton being out.

Unnecessarily provocative post. You’re probably wrong that there is a big difference between the teams at full strength - regular season is proof of that. Might this have been over at this point with Bucks winning? Of course it’s possible, but equally likely that the series would be heading into Game 7.

Agree with ng, this was a pretty ridiculous post relying on the standard “my opinion is an objective fact” adding in a”simply” for good measure. You got a team that finished the regular season with the same record as us and played way worse than us for the entire second half of season but all of a sudden are magically so much better than us just to be provocative. Good grief. Can’t believe the stuff I have to read on this forum sometimes.

[celticsclay]

Injuries happen every year.  Even last year Milwaukee lost its starting SG in the 3rd playoff game and was without Giannis for 2 full games in the ECF and yet it still won the title because it is so well constructed (plus they have Giannis).  Middleton being out is a major blow to Milwaukee.  If both teams were fully healthy Milwaukee would have won this series already as they are simply a better team with BY FAR the best player on the floor. Boston needs to win this game as that is its best shot a title in over a decade.  They have to capitalize on Middleton being out.

Unnecessarily provocative post. You’re probably wrong that there is a big difference between the teams at full strength - regular season is proof of that. Might this have been over at this point with Bucks winning? Of course it’s possible, but equally likely that the series would be heading into Game 7.

And the reason people get annoyed is because the provocative posts and condescending statements are almost always anti-Celtic. At some point this just becomes trolling, no? This is supposed to be a Celtics fan site, and the ultra-negative slant gets very old after a while. if this were the 60's he'd be the guy pumping up Wilt and Jerry West all the time.

And the take is wrong again, just like he has been all year. Some serious ego on display. Middleton is good but it's not like Magic missing Kareem or Jordan missing Pippin. Guy is a fringe all-star. I would NOT trade Timelord for him. And honestly is Giannis were officiated fairly this series would have been over in 5 anyways. I just rewatched game 4 yesterday, the stuff he gets away with is an absolute joke.

We were historically good the second half of the season when fully healthy. Timelord is the ultimate eraser at the rim and can stop plays that literally no-one else can. Those plays often lead to fastbreaks and open 3's btw. Our rim protection has been ailing because Al is always guarding Giannis and our help defenders aren't shotblockers. Rob would be having a field day with all the desperation layups they've been taking.

And we are badly missing his lobs and offensive rebounds. The Bucks bigs are collapsing on the Jays with confidence because they know our healthy bigs can't make leaping plays behind them at the rim. But leaving Rob at your back is a critical mistake and will lead to a bucket probably 75% of the time.

It's not surprising people are disrespecting Rob once again. There is a lot of negative energy in this world that obscures vision. But if he gets a chance he will prove himself. We are not losing any series with him healthy.

Tommy point kraidster. I agree the post was in fact trolling and condescending because I don’t think he even really believes  it if you look at any measure whether advanced or record wise we have been significantly better than them for 50 games
Now.