Aron Baynes is starting, but Semi Ojeleye needs to have an impact for the Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics have announced that Aron Baynes will be back in the starting lineup against the Philadelphia 76ers. With the success he had with Al Horford in the regular season, this is the option Brad Stevens has to trust right now.
What also know is that Semi Ojeleye has no problem being ready to come off the bench, and have a massive impact on the game. Ojeleye earned every single minute he played in round one, and he will have to do the same thing against the Philadelphia 76ers.
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Even if Baynes performs well, Ojeleye has earned minutes, and they will need his versatility against so much size and shooting on the 76ers. Their bigs are not as dynamic on defense as the secondary bigs on the Bucks, but the 76ers have much better shooters.
The Celtics need their bigs to be able to defend the three point line, but also be there to help with the stronger players in Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Preventing the 76ers from getting anything easy in the paint will be vital, and Ojeleye has the strength to offer resistance. Baynes is a better pure paint protector right now, but you still have to consider the three point shooters.
Ojeleye needs to make sure Stevens has more flexibility with his defenders, and does not let the size and shooting of the 76ers dictate the way they want to play. The Celtics embraced all their versatility against the Bucks, and they will need even more of it against the 76ers.
Ojeleye has to prove that he can defend the 76ers the way he was able to defend the Bucks, and that will be enough to get him significant minutes. The Celtics know that they have to win with defense, but need shooting to keep up with the 76ers.
Next: Do not expect Aron Baynes to start for long
Right now, the 76ers have looked like a much better team, but Ojeleye can make a huge difference if he even improves on his round one performance. If Ojeleye can bring the same defense, while bieng more of a threat from three, he could be one of the true difference makers for the Celtics in overcoming an incredible 76ers team.