What opponent scares you?

[keevsnick]

Watching the Celtics vs Raptors game it struck me that I'm simply not scared of the Raptors when the C's play them. Its not that they're bad, it's just that they don't do anything that bothers the Celtics strategically and their best players don't really pressure the Celtics. It feels like a game the Celtics will control. The Celtics may not always win, but if they play well they SHOULD.

So that brings me to my question, leaving out the elite Western Conference teams (OKC, DEN, HOU) who are scary just because they are very good, what teams worry you when the C's play them? Either because of their strengths, particular players, play style ect?

One example for me: The Cavaliers. I know the Celtics have beaten them 2x already, but every game feels stressful just because you know Mitchell can go off at any moment. He's always been a player the C's struggle with.

[SparzWizard]

Just like the Patriots having fears of playing the Broncos and Ravens in the postseason, for the Celtics IMO it's gotta be the Knicks. Until we can exorcise some of those playoff demons with them, they're the ones to look out for. C's may have swept them in the regular season, but the playoffs are a different intensity. Brunson, Bridges, Towns all are capable of putting up big numbers. Anunoby, when he goes off, the game gets dicey. And sometimes, Josh Hart has his Michael Jordan nights against us.

And probably a healthy Bucks team. Healthy Giannis would give the C's trouble. Too much physicality.

[slamtheking]

no one in the East scares me in terms of there being a team that the C's can't beat.  Things would have to go right for them to beat the Knicks, Cavs and Pistons even with Tatum back but I don't think those teams present and insurmountable challenge.  OKC, Denver and Houston in the finals may be hills to steep to climb even with Tatum back

[Phantom255x]

Knicks and Pistons in the East.

But like others have said, it's not fear like 2015 "OMG I'm terrified of prime Lebron and the Cavs" or the 2018 "OMG I'm terrified of the loaded Warriors". There isn't a team like that in the conference, and I'm not truly terrified of anyone. Still worried and scared about a matchup with DET/NY but that doesn't mean I don't think we can beat them especially with Tatum and another deadline acquisition (center).

Maybe the Cavaliers and Magic figure it out but so far they've been inconsistent and dealing with things it seems even beyond injuries. I'm not surprised the Top-2 in the East is DET/NY now, but CLE/ORL have been iffy.

I do agree on the Raptors though. Credit to them so far but they still feel like a paper tiger to me and I don't really fear them. In fact I think they can join CHI soon in that group of "started off hot then faded a bit", it's just TOR has lasted a bit longer so far.