3 biggest X-factors for the Boston Celtics in first-round of the postseason

Boston Celtics X-factor No. 2) Daniel Theis

With Robert Williams III sidelined due to a meniscus tear in his left knee, the Boston Celtics are now relying on a starting frontcourt rotation consisting of both Al Horford and Daniel Theis.

Now, while the former has certainly been one of the team’s most underrated starters during their second-half surge, the latter is only just being called upon to serve in such a high-usage role.

Because of their rather new pairing together in the first five, it appears that there are some on the Nets who are coming into this series feeling as though they can take advantage of the C’s new-look interior presence by attacking the paint and putting pressure on the big man duo.

Based on his 2021-22 campaign as a whole, Horford is almost guaranteed to be a top-notch contributor for Boston on both sides of the ball.

Theis, on the other hand, is nowhere near as much of a sure-fire thing, but he certainly has the potential to be a similarly impactful two-way presence for the team.

While he may not be a fool-proof replacement for Time Lord within the lineup, the German-born baller has a proven track record of being a quality rim protector/ defensive presence himself, while also possessing the capability of spacing the floor on offense, an aspect Rob Williams does not have within his game.

Last we saw the 30-year-old manning the middle for the Celtics on a full-time basis for an entire season he managed to play exceptionally well, boasting stellar averages of 18.5 points, 13.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.6 blocks per 100 possessions on 57 percent shooting from the field whilst sporting an incredible Defensive Rating of 105.

Keep in mind that this was the same year that the shamrocks made their way to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Since returning to a starting role with the ball club, Theis finds himself putting up 12.8 points and 6.7 boards per game on 55 percent shooting from the floor and when paired next to Horford the C’s are currently undefeated at 4-0 and have blown out their opponents by an astonishing average point differential of 24.7.

If he can keep this level of play up, one should expect their successes with him in the starting five to flow right along into this first-round matchup against the Nets.