Despite their records, the 4-1 Boston Celtics and the 2-4 Cleveland Cavaliers are pretty evenly matched to start the season.
The Boston Celtics look to keep their winning streak alive tonight by making it five wins in a row since losing their season opener to the Philadelphia 76ers. I think it will come down to three elements for the shamrocks:
- ball movement
- remaining active on defense
- rebounding
Kemba Walker and Jayson Tatum have been leading the Boston Celtics to victories this season. Walker and Tatum are both averaging over twenty points per game (26.2 points and 22 points respectively), while also playing over thirty minutes per night. As long as Tatum and Walker are taking and making their shots, the C’s are going to be a tough match-up to beat.
We’re going to see a lot of passes and assists in this game. We’ve seen how well the Celtics move the ball around the court while they’re searching for the open man to take the clean shot. The Cleveland Cavaliers are moving the ball around the court just as much; both teams are averaging 21.8 assists per game.
Gordon Hayward is also averaging over thirty minutes per game (34.4), and is averaging 16.6 points a night — on 56% shooting from 3, mind you. Hayward’s calm and cool approach allows him to react to the ball more often. The 29-year-old is averaging 7.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. It is noted that most of Hayward’s rebounds come from the defensive side of the court.
The center position is still unanswered for the Celtics. Boston has started three different players this season at center through their first five games. What we’re seeing is the team is still at a disadvantage in regards to height and size compared to their opponents.
Daniel Theis has been the most solid and reliable big-man for the Celtics this season. Throughout the game against the Milwaukee Bucks last week, Theis showed how tough he is, as he was getting beat-up and mugged the entire game. Theis is doing a lot of the dirty work in his twenty minutes per night.
Enes Kanter is still out with a lingering knee injury, and Robert Williams is still on a day-to-day basis regarding his hip. Tacko Fall did get recalled back to Boston on Friday night, but did not find the court (coach’s decision).
For the Cavaliers, Kevin Love is providing everything so far this season. The veteran big is averaging 19.2 points, 15.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1 steal in 33.8 minutes per game. Tristan Thompson is contributing to the tune of 16.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. Thompson is also protecting the rim well; he’s averaging 1.7 blocks per game.
I think Jayson Tatum wants the challenge of guarding Kevin Love. Tatum is eager to prove himself, especially defensively this season. Walker and Marcus Smart will provide solid defense on the opposing guard positions, while also defending and giving support.
I think this is a great game for Daniel Theis to match-up in. He has proven capable of defending opposing big-men body-to-body better than most on the team; that becomes important down low. But, whoever Brad Stevens decides to give the start at center will have to be able to defend on the perimeter, as well as in the paint.