Importance of the Eastern Conference 1 seed in the 2010 NBA Playoffs

[ssspence]

I know it’s early but I think having the 1 seed seems pretty key for the C’s, not because of home court – that’s a given – but because it’s going to leave Orlando and Cleveland playing each other in the 2nd round.

Shaq has obviously been brought in to combat the issues the Cavs had facing Howard in last year’s playoffs, and the results of that decision were on display last night. Shaq looked comfortable and in his element, forcing Howard to defending him and pick up fouls while struggling with Shaq’s size on the other end.

Meanwhile, Shaq is hugely problematic for the Cavs when they face the Cs. He simply cannot play pick and roll defense anymore (not that he ever could) and the combo of KG and Sheed leaves them at a clear disadvantage.

I realize this is master of the obvious stuff, but I’d feel pretty good about how this would likely play out under these circumstances. Let Cleveland take out Orlando, then we can take out Cleveland.

[ssspence]

I know it’s early but having the 1 seed seems pretty key for the C’s, not because of home court – that’s a given – but because it’s going to leave Orlando and Cleveland playing each other in the 2nd round.

Shaq has obviously been brought in to combat the issues the Cavs had facing Howard in last year’s playoffs, and the results of that decision were on display last night. Shaq looked comfortable and in his element, forcing Howard to defending him and pick up fouls while struggling with Shaq’s size on the other end.

Meanwhile, Shaq is hugely problematic for the Cavs when they face the Cs. He simply cannot play pick and roll defense anymore (not that he ever could) and the combo of KG and Sheed leaves them at a clear disadvantage.

I realize this is master of the obvious stuff, but I’d feel pretty good about how this would likely play out under these circumstances. Let Cleveland take out Orlando, then we can take out Cleveland.

woops, pressed the wrong button when i wanted to edit the original post.

[Donoghus]

Having the #1 seed in the East would certainly be nice.  Not having to deal with Orlando/Cleveland until the ECF would be a great benefit as well as the ensuing home court advantage.

That being said, I don't think its the end of the world, either, if somehow the Celtics don't end up with the #1 seed. I have no doubt this team can win a game or two on the road in the playoffs and get it done to win the series.

I also don't see how any team beats us 4 out 7 times in a playoff series right now.  Thats why, barring injuries, this team should win a championship.

[Fafnir]

I'm not sure Orlando wouldn't beat Cleveland with their full squad. The reason they won last year was because Cleveland had no one to guard Rashard Lewis or Hedo very well.

But yes, just like last year the number one seed will dodge a very dangerous opponent. Though its a long season, we don't know for sure which teams will stay healthy to be true contenders.

[Rondo2287]

Ya, its definitely important but in the long run its really a balancing act between focussing on that number one seed and health can rest of players.  Im sure this is constantly on Doc's mind when he working on his rotations. 

[ssspence]

I'm not sure Orlando wouldn't beat Cleveland with their full squad. The reason they won last year was because Cleveland had no one to guard Rashard Lewis or Hedo very well.

But yes, just like last year the number one seed will dodge a very dangerous opponent. Though its a long season, we don't know for sure which teams will stay healthy to be true contenders.

Yep I recognize the the Rashard element (one of the reasons I was tossing around the Mbah a Moute trade idea here a few days ago). I wonder whether Moon has enough length to be useful against Lewis. Porbably not.

[BudweiserCeltic]

When playing against comparable powerful teams, home-court is very important. Given, it shouldn't be acquired at the expense of our health and preparation entering the playoffs. But it's certainly important.

Historically, at least during the last 15 years or so, the team with Home-Court advantage in the Finals have won the championship the great majority of the time. These finding aren't as evident when you look round for round during the playoffs. The reason for this is, that quite often the best teams might not possess home-court advantage during the early rounds (sometimes because of injuries during the season or teams that pace themselves, like the Spurs, or simply teams that suddenly starting playing really well during the later half the season, while teams with early season success might be struggling). But once we get to the later rounds and the finals, the weak teams are usually weeded out and the best teams usually remain... and it's during these rounds that Home-Court becomes a huge factor.

[Roy Hobbs]

When playing against comparable powerful teams, home-court is very important. Given, it shouldn't be acquired at the expense of our health and preparation entering the playoffs. But it's certainly important.

Agreed.  Home court, plus avoiding Cleveland/Orlando, is an important goal.  The number one goal, of course, is finishing the season healthy as we enter the playoffs, but the secondary goal should be the #1 seed.

[Schupac]

Staying healthy is very important.  Staying rested, less so.  What I mean is, don't run our older players into the ground, but at the same time if playing an extra 5-10 minutes a game for the final 10 games of the season is what it takes to get that #1 seed, then you have to do it.

I look at it this way - sure the Cs might be more tired chasing the #1 seed, but they should get their rest after dispatching their first two opponents in 5-6 games (not that our recent playoff history would indicate they can win an early series in less than 7 games...) while ORL/CLE get tired taking each other to the limit.

[mjohnson]

I agree with being healthy... but I don't mind getting the 18th banner while ousting the MAGICS, CAVS and LAKERS in this comming playoffs. That would feel like proving we're second to NONE because we beat them all.

[GreenFaith1819]

IMO I believe that the #1 Seed in the Eastern Conference is very important and doable for this years Celtics Team. I believe that it is doable because our starters thus far are averaging only 30-32 min for most part. That is a huge plus. I can remember only maybe two games thus far where one or two starters played longer, and even then it was no more than 40 min.

Ray Allen played 42 min in one game (can't remember which one), but from what I recall with him he actually gets stronger as far as a rythym in his shooting the longer he plays.

Danny Ainge built this team to compete and defeat anyone this year. We can now give our starters rest when they need it and not have any drop offs.

Getting the number one seed will make our path to the Lakers a little easier, but in the event that we don't get it, the C's are a stronger team this year that I believe can win big games on road (See Cavs game back on 28Oct).

Someone mentioned Rashard Lewis. Yes he is a point of concern, but I believe we can deal with him if need be. As long as Perk does his job on Dwight, we can deal with Rashard.

Good discussion overall, though.

[Greenbean]

It means nothing. Even if we were the 8th seed, we would steamroll through the conference regardless of opponent.

Heck, if we had the 9th best record, the NBA would let us participate in the playoffs anyway.

[Drucci]

I think it's important because the homecourt advantage can still be useful. Plus, as many said, it would allow the C's to cruise into the ECF and facing Cleveland or Orlando there instead of having to beat one of this team before. The winner of this series will be drained and more easily beatable by the C's.

I'm confident our team could win it all without the 1st seed, but still, it's a plus, and if we secure it really early, Doc will have the opportunity to rest the starters for days (or even weeks) before the playoffs, which would be huge.

[JSD]

I feel it's less significant than it was last year and the year before. This group has been together for a while now and I don't a 3 seed would hurt their chances any.

[ssspence]

I feel it's less significant than it was last year and the year before. This group has been together for a while now and I don't a 3 seed would hurt their chances any.

You don't think facing both Orlando and Cleveland is a disadvantage over just facing one of them? That was the point of my original post, and it's pretty hard to argue.