Celtics (47-32) at Hawks (47-32) Game #80 4/9/16

[jpotter33]

Such a frustrating game, and the fact that it had so many ramifications for the playoffs makes it worse.

We'll still be in the fourth seed most likely, but we'll need to take care of business against Charlotte on Monday.

I don't like the matchup against the Heat, either.  The best 1st round opponent would be the Hornets.  Doesn't look like it's gonna happen.

I don't know see where people don't like our matchup. Sure, they have more starpower, but they're a perimeter-oriented team without an IT-stopper. That's pretty much what we want in a matchup. The only bad thing is Whiteside, but we've handled him just fine this year when we spread him out.

Also, I think we'll be playing the Hornets as the 5 seed anyways. The Heat have a tough schedule the rest of the way - Orlando (who they just lost to), @ Detroit (1-2 vs them this year), and @ Boston (0-2 vs them this year). They could very well lose two of those games.

[Rosco917]

Hey, let's not kid ourselves, the Cs are far from a finished product. We're really playing with house money.
We know the bones of the team are solid.

This off season should allow this team to take the next step. I'd be thrilled if this team won a single series in the playoffs. (depending on who we play, naturally)

[tankcity!]

Bummer.  Hate the idea of playing the cavs in the second round. Maybe we should fall to 6th.

Cavs? Lol, I'd be happy to get out of the first round at this point. I agree, I would much rather face Atlanta. We're better off with the 6th seed.

[alldaboston]

1. Charlotte
2. Miami
3. Atlanta

Our preference for opponents has and should have always been this.

[tankcity!]

Such a frustrating game, and the fact that it had so many ramifications for the playoffs makes it worse.

We'll still be in the fourth seed most likely, but we'll need to take care of business against Charlotte on Monday.

I don't like the matchup against the Heat, either.  The best 1st round opponent would be the Hornets.  Doesn't look like it's gonna happen.

I don't know see where people don't like our matchup. Sure, they have more starpower, but they're a perimeter-oriented team without an IT-stopper. That's pretty much what we want in a matchup. The only bad thing is Whiteside, but we've handled him just fine this year when we spread him out.

Also, I think we'll be playing the Hornets as the 5 seed anyways. The Heat have a tough schedule the rest of the way - Orlando (who they just lost to), @ Detroit (1-2 vs them this year), and @ Boston (0-2 vs them this year). They could very well lose two of those games.

Winslow is really good at defense dude. He's your IT stopper.

[jpotter33]

Bummer.  Hate the idea of playing the cavs in the second round. Maybe we should fall to 6th.

And play the Hawks in the first round? Naw, I'll chance a Cavs second round versus having a much tougher first round opponent.

[jpotter33]

I'm going to get killed on this board, but I'm pretty confident Miami will beat us in 5.

How do you figure? We've dominated them this year, and they've been absolutely terrible on the road recently.

[PhoSita]

Bummer.  Hate the idea of playing the cavs in the second round. Maybe we should fall to 6th.

If we fall to 6 we're losing the first round in 4 or 5 against a battle tested Hawks team that has plenty of experience winning games in the post-season and can kill us at both big positions.

[SHAQATTACK]

Sully and IT gave this game away. Absolutely pitiful. Thomas is absolutely horrible tonight.


And Brad screwed us over by not keeping the ball running through Smart.

I've said it all along -- we must upgrade from IT. He's too much of a liability defensively, and he's a horrible decision-maker for a point guard. He should be the sixth man, because that's what he's built for. Tonight shows exactly why.

been saying the same thing myself.  it's not a popular opinion.

I'm still fairly certain that Smart will be back starting again next season, especially given the progress that he's been showing. There was just no way to move him to the bench once Smart got back and took awhile to round into shape, and it's not like you can move him there now.

p


I agree , but have not been vocal .....people get exercised , but IT should come off the bench ....IF Marcus is back up to snuff.

IT can destroy ANY second team guards and bigs .  But struggles against the best teams starters because they are as fast and Taller to boot.   IT has defensive issues against the playoff level teams starters

[PhoSita]

My fear with Miami is that they're a mostly veteran team that seems like it could become a lot tougher in the playoffs.  Especially if Bosh comes back.  Is that still a possibility?

[straightouttabahstun]

Sully and IT gave this game away. Absolutely pitiful. Thomas is absolutely horrible tonight.


And Brad screwed us over by not keeping the ball running through Smart.

I've said it all along -- we must upgrade from IT. He's too much of a liability defensively, and he's a horrible decision-maker for a point guard. He should be the sixth man, because that's what he's built for. Tonight shows exactly why.

been saying the same thing myself.  it's not a popular opinion.

I'm still fairly certain that Smart will be back starting again next season, especially given the progress that he's been showing. There was just no way to move him to the bench once Smart got back and took awhile to round into shape, and it's not like you can move him there now.

 I hope he starts again. He needs to run the offense. He made that unit better.

[max215]

My fear with Miami is that they're a mostly veteran team that seems like it could become a lot tougher in the playoffs.  Especially if Bosh comes back.  Is that still a possibility?

Technically, yes, but it seems highly unlikely.

[Vox_Populi]

We beat Heat when they had Bosh and when they didn't and Whiteside doesn't seem to bother the Celtics too much, for whatever reason. We've beaten Charlotte twice in their own gym. I'm not honestly worried about either of those two teams and the statistics bear it out.

[jpotter33]

1. Charlotte
2. Miami
3. Atlanta

Our preference for opponents has and should have always been this.

Definitely. And Atlanta is almost guaranteed the third seed now (since I figure the Bulls won't win tonight), so we need to stay in the fourth spot and win our next two at home. Actually, as long as we beat Charlotte I think we should be safe, because I expect Miami to fall to Detroit in Detroit.

[tankcity!]

I'm going to get killed on this board, but I'm pretty confident Miami will beat us in 5.

How do you figure? We've dominated them this year, and they've been absolutely terrible on the road recently.

IMO, they have been saving themselves for the playoffs. I think they will take it to another level and D-wade will play well. But you could be right, just not buying their regular season inconsistency. They remind me a an old veteran team that has been waiting for the playoffs to come. I also like Winslow as a defender.