Boston Celtics: 3 key matchups of round-two vs Toronto Raptors
By Mark Nilon
Boston Celtics key matchup vs Raptors: The frontcourts
Seemingly all season long, one of the biggest weaknesses within the Boston Celtics’ rotation resided within their frontcourt, specifically at their center position.
Sure, Daniel Theis has performed admirably in his first season in the starting lineup — 9.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks on 56 percent shooting –, however, the fear has been pertaining to their lacking of size up front and how they’ll fair if/ when they are forced to go through an opposing team’s physically menacing rotation come playoff time.
Now, with their second-round matchup against Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol officially set, it finally looks as though we’ll find an answer to these aforementioned fears.
On a positive note for the C’s center rotation, when going against arguably the best center in the NBA in Joel Embiid during the first round, their two main options at the position helped guide Beantown to impressive defensive efficiency and, in turn, a series ‘W’ — with Enes Kanter, Boston’s defensive rating rang in at 97.7 and with Theis it was at a sound 100.
That said, in this round we’ll be seeing the same front-court that managed to build a makeshift wall against Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals that, ultimately, guided them to their first NBA Finals appearance and, obviously, their first title.
Though there will be plenty of storylines pertaining to this Semifinals matchup, perhaps the most important will be in reference to how well Boston’s frontcourt can perform against Toronto’s.
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