Boston Celtics: 3 surprise Nets that could torch Cs in postseason

Boston Celtics fans should know what’s coming in their Eastern Conference quarterfinals matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, who just defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in the No. 7-No. 8 NBA Play-in game.

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are going to torch a Cs defense that will be badly missing Robert Williams. No, you shouldn’t talk yourself into the ‘Time Lord’ returning to the Celtics before the end of the first round.

But, in order for the Nets to win this series, Brooklyn will need more contributors than just their super two. The Houdini isn’t going to go as far as to say Boston will be a one-and-done this postseason, but I’m not guaranteeing a sweep either.

These 3 surprise Nets could end up torching the Cs as well this postseason:

Surprise Net #1 that could torch the Boston Celtics this postseason: Nic Claxton

The primary beneficiary to the Boston Celtics missing Robert Williams this postseason will likely be Nic Claxton. Claxton played 29 minutes to Andre Drummond’s 19 against Cleveland on Tuesday, and was more effective from the field, shooting a perfect 6/6 in a 13/9 near-double-double effort.

Assuming that rotational trend continues–and it should, considering Claxton’s superior rim protection produced five blocks against the Cavaliers–the 22-year-old lefty will be the bounciest big on the floor the majority of the time. Al Horford and Daniel Theis have neither the motor, nor length, nor athleticism Claxton does.

The six-foot-11 University of Georgia product figures to aim to be disruptive on the boards on both ends, and will be the primary roadblock to any Cs rim run.