Very winnable series. The matchup doesn't scare me.
But ... I do not like at all the level of basketball this team is playing right now, particularily the inability to muster defensive intensity and effort for any length of time. We're not playing at a championship level. In fact, we're not even close.
So there are reasons to be concerned.
What side of the ball? Offensively, this team has been performing at a high level in the last dozen games sans the Cleveland game.
Defensively, this team's toughness has been up and down in every game KG has not participated in, so I agree with you...to and extent.
That's why KG playing 15-18 mpg would be such an important boost - when he is on the court and on the sideline this team has championship-level defense.
I fully expect Boston to have a plan with KG in regards to his minutes. Maybe start of the 1st, 3rd and end of 4th -something like that.
KG won't have to play back-to-backs and they have the depth in the frontcourt with Powe/Davis that will allow the team to fill in the missing minutes.
I think with selective usage, tons of rest/recovery/treatment in-between games, and limited minutes the team can get the best out of KG in spurts --- kinda like Bill Walton in '86.
If KG is on the court, even if its not for 40 mpg, this team is a championship level team on both sides of the ball...his presence is immeasurable...