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Marcus Morris to Make Season Debut Against Thunder

By Joshua Bateman

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 11: Marcus Morris #13 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 11, 2017 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 11: Marcus Morris #13 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 11, 2017 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Marcus Morris will make his season debut against the Thunder

The Boston Celtics will finally get a look at their full roster, as Marcus Morris is expected to make his season debut against the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight (Via NESN).

The Celtics are still going to ease him in, and I would expect limited minutes for the time being. The Celtics need to make sure he is in proper shape to keep up, and they need to give him time to get comfortable with a completely new team that is still transitioning.

For now, we should be able to expect some defense from Morris. The Celtics are already great n the paint, and Morris should be a valued addition in that area.

On offense, he will not be a focus, and won’t be asked to do much more than just hit his open shots. The key will be making sure he does not slow down anyone else, and get in the way of an offense that is gradually improving.

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The biggest obstacle for Morris right now will be the play of the second unit front court. Both Semi Ojeleye and Daniel Theis have been playing phenomenally, and it is hard to see Morris having a better impact after so much time off.

He has more upside, and can be a more dynamic offensive threat, but the Celtics do not want to threaten the great streak their on. The front court defense has been vital in each of their wins, and they are dominating teams on the boards.

Unless Morris can prove that he will hold his own in those areas, it will not just be the injury and adjustment period that takes away his minutes.

Even if that is the case, Morris certainly adds depth to the team. The Celtics have seen a lot of young players exceed expectations, and Morris can be insurance if one of them comes back down to earth, and plays like the rookie that many were expecting.

The Thunder are one of the toughest teams in the league to matchup to, and Morris is the kind of defender they need to contain the likes of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony.

Next: Is the Celtics Defense Legit?

It might be a reach to expect Morris to be able to slow them down in his first appearance, but it will be a nice introduction to the season for him.

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