Not quite guaransheed...

[Michael Anthony]

If KG-Perk-Wallace each play 26 minutes per night, that leaves 18 for Big Baby.

If Pierce-Allen-Rondo each play 32 minutes per night, that leaves 24 minutes for Daniels, 16 for Eddie and 8 for Scalabrine.

Those minutes would leave us very well rested, and probably would not hurt our chances at winning every game.

[RAcker]

This argument going back and forth is neglecting an important piece of information:

Winning 66-72 games does not guarantee an exhausted team in the playoffs. Winning 55-60 games does not mean the team will be energized for the playoffs. This is not an either or situation.

I'm gonna go ahead and hope for the ideal--that we win as many games as we possibly can, get home court advantage, and keep our starters fresh by making use of our much improved bench.

73 wins, HCA, and a ring, and I REFUSE to think of anything else.

TP.  Completely agree.  Why not wish for answer D ) All of the Above?

[Fafnir]

If KG-Perk-Wallace each play 26 minutes per night, that leaves 18 for Big Baby.

If Pierce-Allen-Rondo each play 32 minutes per night, that leaves 24 minutes for Daniels, 16 for Eddie and 8 for Scalabrine.

Those minutes would leave us very well rested, and probably would not hurt our chances at winning every game.

Except our best players need to be ready to play 35 or more minutes that will be required in the playoffs. Home court is important, and so is developing the chemisty, rhythm, and rotations that you'll use through the playoffs.

Not to mention that KG wasn't all that happy going to 32 minutes a game, cutting it back to 26? Also do we want BBD playing 18 minutes, until he proves me wrong in the regular season he's still an awful rebounder....

[KCattheStripe]

But still: http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/62059/20091011/rasheed_celtics_can_surpass_72_wins/

I thought to myself "that is a very witty thread title. I wonder who thought that up? Makes sense.

Thank you, Thank you.

[PRIDE]

This is a team of destiny. They were put together to win multiple championships. I have NO DOUBT in my mind that if KG was healthy we beat the Lakers in the Finals and we 3-peat this year. The 72 win season belongs to MJ and his dynasty, they can keep the record just give us a ring so I can see another banner raised in The Garden next October!

[xmuscularghandix]

Actually, the regular season record is VERY important, in that it determines home court advantage.

As we witnessed with the 2008 Championship team, had we not solidified home court advantage, the outcome of the 2008 playoffs may have been very different,

i don't think this matters anymore with a more playoff experienced unit.  It's all about being healthy in the playoffs, becuase as we saw in 09, we can't even win the games where we have home court if we don't have our team.

[PRIDE]

As much as HCA helps...I'm confident this veteran squad can beat ANY team in a 7 game series, home court or not.

[Mr October]

If KG-Perk-Wallace each play 26 minutes per night, that leaves 18 for Big Baby.

If Pierce-Allen-Rondo each play 32 minutes per night, that leaves 24 minutes for Daniels, 16 for Eddie and 8 for Scalabrine.

Those minutes would leave us very well rested, and probably would not hurt our chances at winning every game.

Yup, specific numbers aside, this team has the depth to make a run for a great record, and be rested for the playoffs. All they really need is good health.

[celticsclay]

64-18 with five all star births for our starting lineup. Bill Walker wins dunk contest and Scalabrine wins the 3 pt contest. What  ayear

[RebusRankin]

All I want is Number 18.

[Spilling Green Dye]

You guys are all getting caught up on the wrong thing!  Instead, think of it this way:

Last year Rasheed Wallace hoped to not have a crappy season with the change of coach, players, etc.  

THIS season he's extremely optimistic, is buying the kool-aid, and is immensely buying into the team and players around him.  

They really do believe they can go out and win every single night.  THAT is the kind of optimism and night-in night-out attitude I want the Celtics to display.  And this particular thinking is not going to exhaust the players so they can't play in the playoffs.  

[Mr October]

You guys are all getting caught up on the wrong thing!  Instead, think of it this way:

Last year Rasheed Wallace hoped to not have a crappy season with the change of coach, players, etc. 

THIS season he's extremely optimistic, is buying the kool-aid, and is immensely buying into the team and players around him. 

They really do believe they can go out and win every single night.  THAT is the kind of optimism and night-in night-out attitude I want the Celtics to display.  And this particular thinking is not going to exhaust the players so they can't play in the playoffs. 

Right on. TP