Potential 1st Round Opponents

[Rondoholic]

Does anyone else prefer Atlanta to Orlando in the 1st round? With Garnett playing out of position (and Stiemsma as our only depth at the Center spot), I just fear the size matchup against Howard if he's healthy for the playoffs. Might not be that big of issue because we usually play Orlando well but just though I'd open it up for discussion.

[footey]

I doubt Howard is going to be healed by that time, so I don't have much fear in that.  I am more concerned with ATL, especially if they have home court advantage, where that was huge in the '08 playoffs.

[KGs Knee]

Isn't it pretty cool that we now find ourselves in the position to be concerned with matchups, as opposed to just making the playoffs.  This resurgence by the C's has been awesome!

As far as matchups, none of our potential 1st round opponents really scare me, specifically Atlanta or Orlando.  The C's are playing some really good ball right now.  We should be able to beat either team in 6 games or less.

[colincb]

I rather play ORL, not that it was particular likely.  Their offense is very predictable and on other than those days when they're very hot, we should win pretty easily. Nelson isn't the greatest ball handler, as AB demonstrated, and we defend the 3 point line better than anyone in the NBA.

[StartOrien]

I'd prefer Orlando, mostly because I think they're equally good opponents but Atlanta plays a horrifically boring brand of basketball.

[Who]

Not concerned with who Boston plays in the first round. No preference.

[Fafnir]

Not concerned with who Boston plays in the first round. No preference.

What about being the 3 or the 4 seed? Would you rather play Miami or Chicago in the second round before the ECF.

I'm not sure, Miami who's in a groove by the ECF would be incredibly tough to beat. But if Rose and the Bulls have adjusted to his nagging injury they're a worse match up due to their rebounding prowess.

[KGs Knee]

Not concerned with who Boston plays in the first round. No preference.

What about being the 3 or the 4 seed? Would you rather play Miami or Chicago in the second round before the ECF.

Personally, I'm not really concerned about this too much.  We are likely going to have to beat both anyway.  Does it really matter in what order?

[dtrader]

I'd rather face miami in round two. I don't think we can beat both Miami AND Chicago, but I don't think Miami can beat both us and Chicago either. I can accept the bulls winning everything if we lose, but I will hate a Miami championship almost as much as I'd love a celtics championship

[fairweatherfan]

I'd prefer Orlando, mostly because I think they're equally good opponents but Atlanta plays a horrifically boring brand of basketball.

Seconded - Orlando will be more entertaining at least.

[Who]

Not concerned with who Boston plays in the first round. No preference.

What about being the 3 or the 4 seed? Would you rather play Miami or Chicago in the second round before the ECF.

I'm not sure, Miami who's in a groove by the ECF would be incredibly tough to beat. But if Rose and the Bulls have adjusted to his nagging injury they're a worse match up due to their rebounding prowess.

No idea ... Rose's health issues are a major variable.

[pearljammer10]

I like matching up with Orlando in the first round. Howard may be hurt and we usually play him pretty well anyway. Davis could be out if not he will also be hurt, and Turko is out too... I like our odds against them. Then second round take on the Rose injured Bulls. We might have a good shot.

[LooseCannon]

Which team is more likely to injure the Celtics?

[Edgar]

Which team is more likely to injure the Celtics?

chicago

[snively]

Both teams could potentially have money match-ups against us with JJ vs. Bradley at the 2 (if they bump Hinrich out of the starting line-up for Marvin Williams) and Howard vs. KG/Stiemsma.

Given our greater depth at the wing (assuming a healthy Ray), I'd prefer Atlanta.  They are probably the more realistic opponent as well if Howard's out for the rest of the regular season.