With Derrick Rose out with an injured ACL (sorry Bulls) and the current state of health of each team in the Eastern Conference, I'm loving the C's chances to make ECF minimum and probably the NBA Finals. C's don't need Ray Allen in Round 1 IMO, especially with Zaza and Horford out. Now that Rose is out, C's may not need Ray until a potential match-up with the Heat. Hell, save him for the Finals if Bradley can check Wade, slash to the basket and hit 3's.
I certainly don't feel bad about other teams injury misfortunes. C's have Wilcox and Green out with freak heart ailments. C's lost out on at least 1, if not 2 or 3 Championships on KG's 2009 knee injury alone, never mind Perkins being out for Game 7 in the 2010 NBA Finals against the despised Fakers. (not to mention, Shaq, Delonte, Quisy, Powe, etc.)
Pierce should be plenty motivated for this playoffs. (moreso than last year) If the team does not do well (make Finals), then Danny Ainge will probably pull the plug on them and may not resign KG/RA for another run or two, going into full-blast rebuilding mode. In that case, Pierce may retire than go through another 2006-07 season again or be traded to some ho-hum team.
Best defense in the NBA!! Let's Go Celtics!