Could it actually benefit the Celtics to get the 7th or 8th seed?

[the TRUTH]

I know we'd all love for the Celtics to win the Atlantic and snag the 3rd or 4th seed. That would (or at least could) include HCA in the first round against an opponent other than Miami or Chicago.

But if the C's don't win the Atlantic, part of me thinks it could be beneficial to get the 7th or 8th seed (as opposed to 5th or 6th). Assuming Boston has to ultimately beat both Chicago and Miami eventually, it would be that much more difficult to win those two series consecutively. Having a relatively easier series against Orlando/Atlanta/Philly/etc. in the 2nd round could enable the Celtics to recuperate in time for another blood bath in the ECF.

Also, let's say Boston plays a team other than Miami or Chicago in the first round, and that series goes six or seven games. Boston's second round opponent will likely have swept their previous series or won it in five games, so either way, that'd be a younger team with even more rest and HCA just waiting for the C's. On the other hand, if Boston plays Miami/Chicago in the first round, both teams will head into the series with equal rest.

One more thing: once the first round is over, games in the playoffs generally are every other day until the NBA Finals. But in the first round, sometimes you'll have strange scheduling quirks where you have two or three days off between games. Again, that could really help Boston in a series against Miami/Chicago.

[ManUp]

Other than a better draft pick in june or whenever, we get one of our toughest opponents out the way first. The second round decreases in difficulty in comparison because we'd face a weaker team, most likely. So basically it would be something like Chi/Mia first round, (if we advance)Orl/Ind second round, Chi/Mia(whichever we didn't beat in the first. Instead of increasing difficulty with each round, the second round would get a little bit easier and ECF becomes more likely. The disadvantage would be no home court advantage.

IMO, the longer the Celtics can avoid Mia, the better our chances of advancing are. I don't like our odds in a 7 game series against Chicago, but us coming out on top against them in the play-offs isn't that far fetched to me. Unfortunately, I think the Heat are just built to pick this team apart I can't really see us beating them.

[raynman]

The ideal position for us would be #4 then we can upset CHI in the second round.. We have a better match-up with them especially if Rose's injury keeps bugging him.. ORL can give MIA hell in the other matchup and they might even upset them too..

[tenn_smoothie]

"Unfortunately, I think the Heat are just built to pick this team apart I can't really see us beating them."

funny thing is - Miami was having a hard time matching up with the Celtics because of our size and toughness down low ...... that is until Danny traded our advantage away.

[Senninsage]

I think this Celtics team can definitely beat the Heat in a 7 game series.

[paintitgreen]

"Unfortunately, I think the Heat are just built to pick this team apart I can't really see us beating them."

funny thing is - Miami was having a hard time matching up with the Celtics because of our size and toughness down low ...... that is until Danny traded our advantage away.

I actually disagree with this. The thing Miami had the most trouble with was quick penetrating guards like Rondo, not size and toughness down low. Rondo was running all over them in Game 3 and turning it into a blowout when Wade took him out. He played with one arm in Game 4 and the Cs lost in OT. I'd think a second arm on our most effective player would be worth a point over 48 minutes. If so, it's 2-2 and all momentum on Boston's side (and even down 3-1 without momentum or Rondo, Boston led for much of Game 5). We saw how Miami - specifically Lebron - mentally caved when Dallas tied them at 2-2. They were front runners and lost heart when they weren't just blowing teams out. Add in that Lebron already had a mental issue about the Celtics, and the Boston series happened before Miami picked up all the momentum from dominating Chicago, and I think if Rondo's arm stays intact, the Cs win that series. The loss of Perkins, along with both O'Neals, probably would have cost the Cs against Chicago or at least Dallas, but not Miami. Green was a better option against Miami than Perkins was. He played very good defense against 3s after coming to Boston, and that's what we needed going against a team with both Lebron and Wade. Perkins is a great post defender but he has little offense and I don't know why people seem to remember him being a great rebounder. He wasn't.

As for this year, yeah, I don't know if the Cs can beat Miami but that's who I think we have a better shot against. Chicago knows us too well and has the inside presence we can't compete with. For a combination of draft position and matching up with Miami as opposed to Chicago, I'd rather get the 7 and play Miami first, give it all in one series and maybe pick up momentum, rather than get the 4, very possibly lose to a hungry Indiana team in the first round and if not get bounced by Chicago in Round 2. For me, there are no title hopes for Boston, a victorious end to the Big 3 era would be knocking Miami out in a huge upset.

By the way, another reason I'd rather get the 7 than the 4 - why even bother thinking about getting the 4? The Celtics still have 12 road games left out of 21 (and are 8-13 on the road), 12 against above .500 teams (they're 8-14), 3 against Miami alone, 6 back-to-backs and play on the road on the second night 3 times (1-7; interestingly 5-0 when playing at home on the second night of a back to back), and a back-to-back-to-back all on the road.

If the Celtics are within two games of Philly on April 15 (starting Thursday through the 15th, the Celtics have 16 games and only 9 off days), I'll think about the 4 seed. Until then, I'll just be pulling for the wins to get to the playoffs period.

[green7]

6th or 4th seed would benefit this team

7th or 8th would hurt this team badly

[RajonRondo9Dime]

We can't beat Miami. Just can't do it.

[Chris]

I've been saying this for a while, but I want the C's to get the 8th seed.  It gives them the highest draft pick of any playoff team, and I actually think it sets them up pretty well in the playoffs (relatively speaking).

Chances are, they will have to go through Chicago and Miami if they want to get to the finals (I know, its not happening, but go with me), and I think they have a much better chance of beating them both if they can play one of them in the first round, rather than the second round.  In the first round, the C's will be the freshest (remember, the playoffs are also compressed this year), and there is also a tendency of top seeds to sleepwalk through the first round of the playoffs before waking up in round 2.

Almost as important though, I have zero interest in watching this team beat a team like Indy in the first round.  It will do nothing for me.  All I care about is whether they can give Chicago or Miami a run.  If they are going to get their butts beaten, I would prefer they get it overwith early, and spend the extra time scouting, rather than getting our hopes up and then going down in round 2. 

But I think they can catch lightning in a bottle and hang with either of these teams in the first round with a lot of luck, even more chemistry, and some reinforcements from a couple free agent big men.  The Big 3 are no longer able to bring it every night, but they can put together 4 big games out of a 7 game series, and shock one of these two juggernauts...and at that point, everything else is gravy.  If they can even give the Bulls or Heat a scare in the first round, and show some pride doing it, then I will be content with that ending to the big 3 era.

So yeah, lets cruise to the 8th spot, and roll the dice.

[angryguy77]

I've been saying this for a while, but I want the C's to get the 8th seed.  It gives them the highest draft pick of any playoff team, and I actually think it sets them up pretty well in the playoffs (relatively speaking).

Chances are, they will have to go through Chicago and Miami if they want to get to the finals (I know, its not happening, but go with me), and I think they have a much better chance of beating them both if they can play one of them in the first round, rather than the second round.  In the first round, the C's will be the freshest (remember, the playoffs are also compressed this year), and there is also a tendency of top seeds to sleepwalk through the first round of the playoffs before waking up in round 2.

Almost as important though, I have zero interest in watching this team beat a team like Indy in the first round.  It will do nothing for me.  All I care about is whether they can give Chicago or Miami a run.  If they are going to get their butts beaten, I would prefer they get it overwith early, and spend the extra time scouting, rather than getting our hopes up and then going down in round 2. 

But I think they can catch lightning in a bottle and hang with either of these teams in the first round with a lot of luck, even more chemistry, and some reinforcements from a couple free agent big men.  The Big 3 are no longer able to bring it every night, but they can put together 4 big games out of a 7 game series, and shock one of these two juggernauts...and at that point, everything else is gravy.  If they can even give the Bulls or Heat a scare in the first round, and show some pride doing it, then I will be content with that ending to the big 3 era.

So yeah, lets cruise to the 8th spot, and roll the dice.

Well said. Tp

[CelticG1]

Besides last year haven't the celtics always played better as the playoffs go on longer?

 We usually aren't that great in the first round

[Chris]

Besides last year haven't the celtics always played better as the playoffs go on longer?

 We usually aren't that great in the first round

I think the only time we struggled (compared to later rounds) in the first round was in 2008. 

[rondohondo]

I've been saying this for a while, but I want the C's to get the 8th seed.  It gives them the highest draft pick of any playoff team, and I actually think it sets them up pretty well in the playoffs (relatively speaking).

Chances are, they will have to go through Chicago and Miami if they want to get to the finals (I know, its not happening, but go with me), and I think they have a much better chance of beating them both if they can play one of them in the first round, rather than the second round.  In the first round, the C's will be the freshest (remember, the playoffs are also compressed this year), and there is also a tendency of top seeds to sleepwalk through the first round of the playoffs before waking up in round 2.

Almost as important though, I have zero interest in watching this team beat a team like Indy in the first round.  It will do nothing for me.  All I care about is whether they can give Chicago or Miami a run.  If they are going to get their butts beaten, I would prefer they get it overwith early, and spend the extra time scouting, rather than getting our hopes up and then going down in round 2.  

But I think they can catch lightning in a bottle and hang with either of these teams in the first round with a lot of luck, even more chemistry, and some reinforcements from a couple free agent big men.  The Big 3 are no longer able to bring it every night, but they can put together 4 big games out of a 7 game series, and shock one of these two juggernauts...and at that point, everything else is gravy.  If they can even give the Bulls or Heat a scare in the first round, and show some pride doing it, then I will be content with that ending to the big 3 era.

So yeah, lets cruise to the 8th spot, and roll the dice.

completely agree, I want the # 8 seed

Want the higher draft pick

Most likely play the Bulls in the 1st round. I think the C's match up pretty good with the Bulls, especially if they can add a legit big man (sheed?),Doc said someone beefy )

PG: Rondo   vs  Rose
SG: Ray     vs Hamilton
SF: PP     vs  Deng
PF: Bass    vs Boozer
 c: KG      vs Noah
We would need for our bench to step up big, but I actually love the ability to throw Bradley on Rose to try and contain him while Rondo is out. Maybe JJJ gets to show something in the playoffs( I honestly think he could help in short spurts)

We can take them IMO. The other thing with playing Chicago is Rose's back could be a huge concern. I like my chances in a 7 game series vs the Bulls.

From there , they could obviously beat Orlando/Indiana/Philly/Atlanta in the second round.

Then it would come down to Miami in the ECF . I doubt we can beat them, but lets not forget


1) Lebron was on fire making everything, shots from 40 feet out. He was shooting ridiculous in that series , but then he choked again in the Dallas series. I don't think there is any chance he shoots like he did last year against us, especially late in the game.

2) Rondo was playing with one arm after game 3. I really would love to see how Rondo would respond in the spotlight of the ECF(He loves big games and often puts up triple doubles).

3) The zone defense. Doc threw it at Miami in the 1st meeting of the season and the c's came back from 18 down to cut it to 3. The weakness of Wade and Lebron if there's any is their jump shooting. The zone kept them from getting to the rim .

Probably lose in 6 games though

[Tai]

I've been saying this for a while, but I want the C's to get the 8th seed.  It gives them the highest draft pick of any playoff team, and I actually think it sets them up pretty well in the playoffs (relatively speaking).

Chances are, they will have to go through Chicago and Miami if they want to get to the finals (I know, its not happening, but go with me), and I think they have a much better chance of beating them both if they can play one of them in the first round, rather than the second round.  In the first round, the C's will be the freshest (remember, the playoffs are also compressed this year), and there is also a tendency of top seeds to sleepwalk through the first round of the playoffs before waking up in round 2.

Almost as important though, I have zero interest in watching this team beat a team like Indy in the first round.  It will do nothing for me.  All I care about is whether they can give Chicago or Miami a run.  If they are going to get their butts beaten, I would prefer they get it overwith early, and spend the extra time scouting, rather than getting our hopes up and then going down in round 2. 

But I think they can catch lightning in a bottle and hang with either of these teams in the first round with a lot of luck, even more chemistry, and some reinforcements from a couple free agent big men.  The Big 3 are no longer able to bring it every night, but they can put together 4 big games out of a 7 game series, and shock one of these two juggernauts...and at that point, everything else is gravy.  If they can even give the Bulls or Heat a scare in the first round, and show some pride doing it, then I will be content with that ending to the big 3 era.

So yeah, lets cruise to the 8th spot, and roll the dice.

You don't want us in Round 2 because we got to face Indiana cause it might get our hopes up? How is this any different if we're tied 2-2 with Miami or Chicago in the 1st round as opposed to in the 2nd?

Chicago or Miami sleepwalking through the 1st round might actually be true, but I don't buy that we'll be so worn down in Round 2 if that's when we face them. Like people always say, where's the back-to-backs in the playoffs?

[Chris]

I've been saying this for a while, but I want the C's to get the 8th seed.  It gives them the highest draft pick of any playoff team, and I actually think it sets them up pretty well in the playoffs (relatively speaking).

Chances are, they will have to go through Chicago and Miami if they want to get to the finals (I know, its not happening, but go with me), and I think they have a much better chance of beating them both if they can play one of them in the first round, rather than the second round.  In the first round, the C's will be the freshest (remember, the playoffs are also compressed this year), and there is also a tendency of top seeds to sleepwalk through the first round of the playoffs before waking up in round 2.

Almost as important though, I have zero interest in watching this team beat a team like Indy in the first round.  It will do nothing for me.  All I care about is whether they can give Chicago or Miami a run.  If they are going to get their butts beaten, I would prefer they get it overwith early, and spend the extra time scouting, rather than getting our hopes up and then going down in round 2. 

But I think they can catch lightning in a bottle and hang with either of these teams in the first round with a lot of luck, even more chemistry, and some reinforcements from a couple free agent big men.  The Big 3 are no longer able to bring it every night, but they can put together 4 big games out of a 7 game series, and shock one of these two juggernauts...and at that point, everything else is gravy.  If they can even give the Bulls or Heat a scare in the first round, and show some pride doing it, then I will be content with that ending to the big 3 era.

So yeah, lets cruise to the 8th spot, and roll the dice.

You don't want us in Round 2 because we got to face Indiana cause it might get our hopes up? How is this any different if we're tied 2-2 with Miami or Chicago in the 1st round as opposed to in the 2nd?

Chicago or Miami sleepwalking through the 1st round might actually be true, but I don't buy that we'll be so worn down in Round 2 if that's when we face them. Like people always say, where's the back-to-backs in the playoffs?

I believe there will be back to backs in the playoffs this year, because of the compressed schedule. 

And its not that I don't want to get my hopes up.  I just couldn't care less about beating the Pacers (or a team like them).  For me, there are two ways this season will be a success.  Either they beat the Heat/Bulls and make a legitimate run in the playoffs...or they go down swinging against the Heat/Bulls and walk out with their heads held high. 

So, I get nothing from playing another team in the first round.  They just lose draft position, and get tired out beating an inferior team.