Playoffs Preview

This Saturday, the Boston Celtics open up a 2nd round series in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers are the favorite to win the NBA title, but no one should count the Celtics out. First off, the Celtics are healthy which is very important, and the Cavaliers’ all-world forward Lebron James has been bothered by a stiff elbow.

My prediction—the series will go seven games with the Cavaliers coming out on top. Although I am a Celtics fan, I just think King James is just too tough to beat. This year the Cavalier’s supporting cast is even better with the additions of Shaquille O’Neil and Antwan Jamison. Sure, the Celtics have a solid bench, but Cleveland’s is a little deeper because guys like Delonte West, Daniel Gibson, Anderson Varejao, and even Zydrunas Ilgauskas. West and Varejao are guys who easily could start on most teams, and always bring a spark off the bench.

As for the Celtics, I worry about Rajon Rondo, who sometimes plays down to the level of the player he guards. He always gets motivated against the top point-guards the question is how motivated will he be against Mo Williams. Also, the Celtics need to step up and do a better job on the glass, which means that Rasheed Wallace will need to step up and show us that he is worth the large salary that he earns. Personally, if I were Doc Rivers, I would play Sheldon Williams more than he does. I feel as though Williams will not only work harder but will also play smarter than Wallace does.

One of Wallace’s problems is that he often takes plays off, and he shoots way too many 3-pointers. When you are 6’11 - 7 feet you should be playing down low, rather than at the top of the key shooting 3-pointers. Rasheed also cannot always keep his emotions in check. That is not what you want in a player, because it could end up costing him and the Celtics a technical foul at the wrong time. If Rasheed and Glen Davis both can play smart emotionally, than the Celtics have a better chance than if they let their emotions get in the way of their play and cost the team dumb fouls.

Ultimately, this really is Lebron’s series to lose. If he can work through the elbow issues, than the Cavaliers will end up bringing the City of Cleveland their first professional sports title in 72 years. The supporting cast that Lebron has, such as Shaq, Delonte West, Varejao, and even Ilgauskas, will have to play a pivotal role. With Shaq, the Cavs finally a have quality big-man who has won a few titles with the Lakers, and knows what it takes to win a championship. Although Shaq is not the dominant player that he once was, his leadership and experience will make up for his old age. The same goes for Ilgauskas, never the talent that Shaq was, and often injury prone throughout his career. Varejao is a player who will score in the paint and rebound and basically cause havoc for either Kevin Garnett or Glen “Big Baby” Davis. Lastly, Delonte West could be the unsung hero of this series for his ability to shoot the three, score in bunches and often is a much need spark off the bench.

Even from the perspective of a Celtics fan, regardless of the outcome, this will be one interesting ball game to watch.