Celtics Playoff Rooting Guide

[max215]

Here's a quick breakdown of who Celtics fans should root for and why.

East:

Cleveland vs. Detroit

We match up better against Detroit and would have home court against them. We also hate the Cavs, so seeing them lose early would be hilarious. Unfortunately, this is not a realistic outcome, so we should root for a long series that will tire the Cavs out. For those who still want Love (I'd take him for the right price), an early exit would guarantee his departure IMO.

Toronto vs. Indiana

We don't match up well with either of these teams, but we stand a better chance against Indiana and would have home court against them. An early exit for Indiana likely wouldn't cause them to part with PG, so it would be fruitless to pull for them to lose. Added bonus: another first round exit might force Toronto to rebuild, neutralizing a division rival. For those who are interested (I'm not sure I am), DeRozan might then be available in free agency.

Miami vs. Charlotte

We match up very well against both of these teams, but we'd have home court against the Hornets, so that would be the preferable outcome. Also, Heat hatred runs deep.

Atlanta vs. Boston

No explanation needed.

West:

Golden State vs. Houston

This has no real impact on us, so as basketball fans, we should want to see more of this amazing Warriors team. Dwight's already as good as gone, and Harden's not available, so that doesn't really factor in here.

San Antonio vs. Memphis

Another series with very little impact on us, so we should root for the Spurs to advance toward an epic WCF with the Warriors. I doubt an early exit has much of an impact on Gasol or Conley, nor am I sure that we want either.

Oklahoma City vs. Dallas

Here's where the West starts to impact us. The earlier OKC is eliminated, the more likely it is KD leaves, and my attitude has always been that if he chooses to leave, Boston has a good shot, but it's highly unlikely he chooses to leave. If KD chooses to stay, then maybe OKC shakes it up by dealing Serge, who could be a nice consolation prize for us.

Los Angeles vs. Portland

I love Dame, and want him to succeed, but that's not why we should root for Portland. Doc has already admitted that a lack of postseason success would force him to consider breaking up the Big 3, and having more stars on the market would be huge for us. Getting a shot at Blake, CP, or DeAndre would be awesome, and the added supply of stars might help to lower their costs on the trade market.

Thoughts?

[SparzWizard]

Indiana is a fast-paced team with 3x all-star in Paul George. Plus they be a very experienced playoff team who has made deep playoff runs before. I hope Toronto beats them and then fold later in the postseason.

As for the West...pretty much spot on, except I really hate James Harden, Dwight Howard, OKC, and Flop Rivers. So therefore, I want them to lose.

[the TRUTH]

TP for the thread.

I agree with all of these. Although I'm conflicted when it comes to the Clippers/Blazers series. I don't wish any success for Doc based on the way he left Boston, and as you said, an early Clippers exit could improve the supply of star players available this summer. On the other hand, I'd absolutely love to see Pierce get one more shot at slaying a giant and making some clutch shots against Golden State.

[max215]

TP for the thread.

I agree with all of these. Although I'm conflicted when it comes to the Clippers/Blazers series. I don't wish any success for Doc based on the way he left Boston, and as you said, an early Clippers exit could improve the supply of star players available this summer. On the other hand, I'd absolutely love to see Pierce get one more shot at slaying a giant and making some clutch shots against Golden State.

I agree about PP, and I almost put that in there, but ultimately, LAC losing early could be huge for us. Blake or DeAndre would really change who we are, and who knows, maybe PP could be included in a trade.

[Greyman]

TP for the thread.

I agree with all of these. Although I'm conflicted when it comes to the Clippers/Blazers series. I don't wish any success for Doc based on the way he left Boston, and as you said, an early Clippers exit could improve the supply of star players available this summer. On the other hand, I'd absolutely love to see Pierce get one more shot at slaying a giant and making some clutch shots against Golden State.

Agree here. The only other result I look for, how The Truth is doing.

[RockinRyA]

Indiana is a fast-paced team with 3x all-star in Paul George. Plus they be a very experienced playoff team who has made deep playoff runs before. I hope Toronto beats them and then fold later in the postseason.

As for the West...pretty much spot on, except I really hate James Harden, Dwight Howard, OKC, and Flop Rivers. So therefore, I want them to lose.

If Toronto beats them, they finally get over the hump of losing in the first round, and would allow them to perform like the Reg season raptors. And that is a dangerous team.