Poll: Mavericks vs. Celtics Series Predictions

[tazzmaniac]

Luka against Minnesota game 5 had like 24 points at the half and then 10 points the rest of the game.

If he scores, he scores. Make him work defensively. Wear him down. Shut off the water to the other players.

Luka will whine and cry. He’s not even an average defender.

Boston is so much better equipped to guard Luka than Minnesota was.

Luka is going to get his 30 points just because how much he shoots.

The key is not allowing Luka to go for 30 plus AND have Kyrie go for 30 plus. This is the only way Dallas can win this series.

Boston has to make Kyrie and Luka accountable on defense. And you need to get brown on Luka as much as possible.

In the playoffs, the Celts have only scored less than 100 once and I don't see the Mavs being able to hold them under 100.  Even if Luka and Kyrie both go for 30 plus, they are still going to need at least 40 from the rest of the team. 

If you're the Mavs, who would you want Luka guarding and Kyrie guarding?  My guess it would be Jrue and White respectively but those still aren't good matchups for the Mavs. 

[scaryjerry]

I’m genuinely terrified of Luka in this series. Should be the Celtics time but I can’t guarantee or predict that with that cold blooded killer on the other side

Don't see why Luka would terrify anyone.  What has he done to be considered a cold blooded killer?  Just thinking about Luka and Kyrie having to play defense against this Celts team ought to put a big grin on any Celtics fan.

I can’t take you serious with a comment like this.
Don’t see why Luka would terrify anyone? Huh?
There defense has been pretty good in the second half of the season too btw. We’ll see.

[scaryjerry]

I’m genuinely terrified of Luka in this series. Should be the Celtics time but I can’t guarantee or predict that with that cold blooded killer on the other side

Dallas is the best possible match up for the Celtics. You were terrified of Denver also. Enjoy the ride.

Overall I like the matchup over some of the other alternatives too but I’m gonna be consistent, I’m not guaranteeing anything with this team and I’m pretty confident the mavericks are on a completely different tier then any team we have played in months.
I do think it’s the Celtics time and they’ll have to choke and Luka and Kyrie will have to be legendary for us to lose and sorry but I’m not counting that out

[celticinorlando]

I’m genuinely terrified of Luka in this series. Should be the Celtics time but I can’t guarantee or predict that with that cold blooded killer on the other side

Dallas is the best possible match up for the Celtics. You were terrified of Denver also. Enjoy the ride.

Overall I like the matchup over some of the other alternatives too but I’m gonna be consistent, I’m not guaranteeing anything with this team and I’m pretty confident the mavericks are on a completely different tier then any team we have played in months.
I do think it’s the Celtics time and they’ll have to choke and Luka and Kyrie will have to be legendary for us to lose and sorry but I’m not counting that out

Anything can happen. I think the mavs are happy to be here and the Celtics are focused on getting it done. I’ve been encouraged with the Celtics response in a games and after those two losses at home.

I think the Celtics have just been trying to get to the finals so far.
Now that they are here I could see them take it up a notch. I’m not sure Dallas has another level.

Dallas will win a game or two in this series just because they do have two great offensive players. But like you said it’s going to take Boston crapping the bed to help the mavs win.

[scaryjerry]

I’m genuinely terrified of Luka in this series. Should be the Celtics time but I can’t guarantee or predict that with that cold blooded killer on the other side

Dallas is the best possible match up for the Celtics. You were terrified of Denver also. Enjoy the ride.

Overall I like the matchup over some of the other alternatives too but I’m gonna be consistent, I’m not guaranteeing anything with this team and I’m pretty confident the mavericks are on a completely different tier then any team we have played in months.
I do think it’s the Celtics time and they’ll have to choke and Luka and Kyrie will have to be legendary for us to lose and sorry but I’m not counting that out

Anything can happen. I think the mavs are happy to be here and the Celtics are focused on getting it done. I’ve been encouraged with the Celtics response in a games and after those two losses at home.

I think the Celtics have just been trying to get to the finals so far.
Now that they are here I could see them take it up a notch. I’m not sure Dallas has another level.

Dallas will win a game or two in this series just because they do have two great offensive players. But like you said it’s going to take Boston crapping the bed to help the mavs win.

Watching both the Celtics and mavericks conference finals celebrations/postgames I saw nothing to suggest that Dallas is “just happy to be there” and the Celtics aren’t. Also to assume the Celtics can just “take it to another level” and the mavs won’t is just Celtics homerism. Just like thinking kristaps is coming back 100% and won’t miss a beat is.
I like the celtics chances, if I have to choose I’ll take them in 7, but the last 2 players in the league I want to see in a game 7 in Boston is probably Luka and Kyrie.

[tazzmaniac]

I’m genuinely terrified of Luka in this series. Should be the Celtics time but I can’t guarantee or predict that with that cold blooded killer on the other side

Don't see why Luka would terrify anyone.  What has he done to be considered a cold blooded killer?  Just thinking about Luka and Kyrie having to play defense against this Celts team ought to put a big grin on any Celtics fan.

I can’t take you serious with a comment like this.
Don’t see why Luka would terrify anyone? Huh?
There defense has been pretty good in the second half of the season too btw. We’ll see.

You didn't say anything to justify your terror but that's okay because terror is often irrational.  Luka isn't Michael, LeBron or even Kobe.  He certainly isn't Bird.  Now maybe he does step up to carry Mavs to win this series but to be honest I'd be more concerned about Kyrie.   

[Who]

I’m genuinely terrified of Luka in this series. Should be the Celtics time but I can’t guarantee or predict that with that cold blooded killer on the other side

Don't see why Luka would terrify anyone.  What has he done to be considered a cold blooded killer?  Just thinking about Luka and Kyrie having to play defense against this Celts team ought to put a big grin on any Celtics fan.

I can’t take you serious with a comment like this.
Don’t see why Luka would terrify anyone? Huh?
There defense has been pretty good in the second half of the season too btw. We’ll see.

You didn't say anything to justify your terror but that's okay because terror is often irrational.  Luka isn't Michael, LeBron or even Kobe.  He certainly isn't Bird. Now maybe he does step up to carry Mavs to win this series but to be honest I'd be more concerned about Kyrie.   

I have Luka up in the class of Bird, Magic, Oscar and LeBron.

Luka is incredible. One of the most skilled players of All-Time. A 30-10-10 threat on a nightly basis. Clutch. Performs well in the playoffs.

[Birdman]

Luka could wind up being too 10 player of all time after it’s all said & done

[DefenseWinsChamps]

This is a playstyle question. If the Celtics can keep Irving's and Luka's assist numbers down, while forcing them to take tough shots, I think we can beat them.

I'd like to see them hunt Luka early and often in these games. He's a decent weakside team defender, but he's lousy on ball. Make him work. Make him change directions. That should wear on his offensive ability late in games.

I'm really curious how the Mavs play. They got to keep Gafford and Lively near the basket on defense all last series (and against the Clippers), but the Cs should be able to force them out of the paint. If they switch everything, I think the Cs should be able to feast.

[celticinorlando]

I’m genuinely terrified of Luka in this series. Should be the Celtics time but I can’t guarantee or predict that with that cold blooded killer on the other side

Dallas is the best possible match up for the Celtics. You were terrified of Denver also. Enjoy the ride.

Overall I like the matchup over some of the other alternatives too but I’m gonna be consistent, I’m not guaranteeing anything with this team and I’m pretty confident the mavericks are on a completely different tier then any team we have played in months.
I do think it’s the Celtics time and they’ll have to choke and Luka and Kyrie will have to be legendary for us to lose and sorry but I’m not counting that out

Anything can happen. I think the mavs are happy to be here and the Celtics are focused on getting it done. I’ve been encouraged with the Celtics response in a games and after those two losses at home.

I think the Celtics have just been trying to get to the finals so far.
Now that they are here I could see them take it up a notch. I’m not sure Dallas has another level.

Dallas will win a game or two in this series just because they do have two great offensive players. But like you said it’s going to take Boston crapping the bed to help the mavs win.

Watching both the Celtics and mavericks conference finals celebrations/postgames I saw nothing to suggest that Dallas is “just happy to be there” and the Celtics aren’t. Also to assume the Celtics can just “take it to another level” and the mavs won’t is just Celtics homerism. Just like thinking kristaps is coming back 100% and won’t miss a beat is.
I like the celtics chances, if I have to choose I’ll take them in 7, but the last 2 players in the league I want to see in a game 7 in Boston is probably Luka and Kyrie.

First Jones Jr kept saying "I can't believe it" as he was exiting the court. This team has never been on this stage before, much like the Cs in 2022.

Second, I do think Boston's ceiling is higher than Dallas. I don't think that is homerism at all. And I think we will see them play at a very high level in the finals. It will take Boston helping Dallas for them to win, which is what you said. If all things are equal and both teams play well, I believe Boston wins in 6 at the most.

[scaryjerry]

I’m genuinely terrified of Luka in this series. Should be the Celtics time but I can’t guarantee or predict that with that cold blooded killer on the other side

Don't see why Luka would terrify anyone.  What has he done to be considered a cold blooded killer?  Just thinking about Luka and Kyrie having to play defense against this Celts team ought to put a big grin on any Celtics fan.

I can’t take you serious with a comment like this.
Don’t see why Luka would terrify anyone? Huh?
There defense has been pretty good in the second half of the season too btw. We’ll see.

You didn't say anything to justify your terror but that's okay because terror is often irrational.  Luka isn't Michael, LeBron or even Kobe.  He certainly isn't Bird.  Now maybe he does step up to carry Mavs to win this series but to be honest I'd be more concerned about Kyrie.   

I shouldn’t have to say anything to justify it. Watch him play. He’s a transcendent offensive talent, one of the best in nba history…but he’s not a Celtic so “he sTiNkS”

[Phantom255x]

Man we really still have to wait 5 more days for this to start

Also it sucks because there's really not much else going on this weekend besides I guess 2 NHL playoff games. Red Sox have been irrelevant for a while so...

[moiso]

I’m genuinely terrified of Luka in this series. Should be the Celtics time but I can’t guarantee or predict that with that cold blooded killer on the other side

Don't see why Luka would terrify anyone.  What has he done to be considered a cold blooded killer?  Just thinking about Luka and Kyrie having to play defense against this Celts team ought to put a big grin on any Celtics fan.

I can’t take you serious with a comment like this.
Don’t see why Luka would terrify anyone? Huh?
There defense has been pretty good in the second half of the season too btw. We’ll see.

You didn't say anything to justify your terror but that's okay because terror is often irrational.  Luka isn't Michael, LeBron or even Kobe.  He certainly isn't Bird.  Now maybe he does step up to carry Mavs to win this series but to be honest I'd be more concerned about Kyrie.   

I think Luka is more scary than Lebron and Kobe.  Kobe was never as good a Luka is right now.  Lebron may very well be the GOAT but a lot of that is due to longevity.  At the end of close game and you need a player to make something happen, I have Luka over Lebron too.  Seems crazy because he's 25 and hasn't been a champion, but that's how I feel.   He's an offensive machine with ultimate confidence, intelligence, and physical strength.  He is the scariest player in the league with a game on the line.

[Kuberski33]

I’m genuinely terrified of Luka in this series. Should be the Celtics time but I can’t guarantee or predict that with that cold blooded killer on the other side

Don't see why Luka would terrify anyone.  What has he done to be considered a cold blooded killer?  Just thinking about Luka and Kyrie having to play defense against this Celts team ought to put a big grin on any Celtics fan.

I can’t take you serious with a comment like this.
Don’t see why Luka would terrify anyone? Huh?
There defense has been pretty good in the second half of the season too btw. We’ll see.

You didn't say anything to justify your terror but that's okay because terror is often irrational.  Luka isn't Michael, LeBron or even Kobe.  He certainly isn't Bird. Now maybe he does step up to carry Mavs to win this series but to be honest I'd be more concerned about Kyrie.   

I have Luka up in the class of Bird, Magic, Oscar and LeBron.

Luka is incredible. One of the most skilled players of All-Time. A 30-10-10 threat on a nightly basis. Clutch. Performs well in the playoffs.

The only thing that concerns me is that Minnesota was supposedly one of the top defensive teams in the league and Dallas handled them very effectively. Talent wins in this league and Luka is probably the best player in this series. Couple that with Cleveland Championship Winning Kyrie and that's a problem.

Bird back in his day would get his against any defense. They have 2 guys who can do that.  I don't see how we win this without a big contribution from Porzingis - which I think we'll get.

[hpantazo]

I’m genuinely terrified of Luka in this series. Should be the Celtics time but I can’t guarantee or predict that with that cold blooded killer on the other side

Don't see why Luka would terrify anyone.  What has he done to be considered a cold blooded killer?  Just thinking about Luka and Kyrie having to play defense against this Celts team ought to put a big grin on any Celtics fan.

I can’t take you serious with a comment like this.
Don’t see why Luka would terrify anyone? Huh?
There defense has been pretty good in the second half of the season too btw. We’ll see.

You didn't say anything to justify your terror but that's okay because terror is often irrational.  Luka isn't Michael, LeBron or even Kobe.  He certainly isn't Bird. Now maybe he does step up to carry Mavs to win this series but to be honest I'd be more concerned about Kyrie.   

I have Luka up in the class of Bird, Magic, Oscar and LeBron.

Luka is incredible. One of the most skilled players of All-Time. A 30-10-10 threat on a nightly basis. Clutch. Performs well in the playoffs.

The only thing that concerns me is that Minnesota was supposedly one of the top defensive teams in the league and Dallas handled them very effectively. Talent wins in this league and Luka is probably the best player in this series. Couple that with Cleveland Championship Winning Kyrie and that's a problem.

Bird back in his day would get his against any defense. They have 2 guys who can do that.  I don't see how we win this without a big contribution from Porzingis - which I think we'll get.

The Timberwolves roster construction was not a good defensive matchup against Dallas. Their top defenders were their interior guys and Gobert and Towns got totally abused defensively by Dallas' guards/wings. The Celtics on the other hand are built for this. They have 6 guys who are all versatile top level 2 way players and their defensive strength is at the guard and wing positions. We know the Celtics can defend at a top level. On the other side, what defenders does Dallas have? They don't stand a chance of guarding Boston. They can only hope the Celtics go cold for enough games to steal a few of them.