The Boston Celtics regained the lead in their series over the Philadelphia 76ers, and yet, it hasn't looked all that pretty. Yet again, Boston had to rely on the Jays to take them home, and it was barely enough to scrape by. Keep in mind that this is the Joel Embiid-less Sixers who have made the Celtics sweat the past two games.
There are definitely some problems the team is dealing with, like Derrick White suddenly turning into Tony Allen, but that's an issue that can work itself out on its own. Another one that may not be able to do that is the Celtics' frontcourt's flaws.
Coming into the postseason, this didn't seem like it was going to be a problem. Neemias Queta and Luka Garza played well above expectations, and then they were going to work Nikola Vucevic into the rotation. Three games in, there's less confidence in this trio. Not in this series, but as a whole.
This particular issue stood out in Game 3. For the second straight game, Neemias Queta looked shockingly undisciplined, which is a shame because his legitimate case for Most Improved Player stemmed largely from his improved basketball IQ. Joe Mazzulla had lost enough confidence in him to replace him with Nikola Vucevic at the start of the second half.
Mind you, Vucevic had an awesome first half. As for the second, well, it depends on who you ask. Boston clearly kept him in because of his presence on offense as a floor-spacer and passer, because, whether he makes his shots or not, Philly takes him seriously.
But defensively, it was hard not to see Vucevic's warts, as the Sixers kept going right at him at the pick-and-roll. Vucevic gave the Celtics something, but his performance came with a "warts and all" disclaimer, compared to Queta, who was not giving Boston much of anything. It's not a problem now, but it's definitely something to keep in mind going forward.
And no, Garza has not done much to convince Boston he deserves more time since the playoffs started. He has been largely just okay when the Celtics have called his name, which honestly is all they can ask for. If he starts playing better, then of course, he should get a better look
So now the age-old question will be resurrected
Will the Celtics' frontcourt be their undoing in these playoffs?
Right now, it's been manageable to some degree because the toughest big men they're going up against are Adem Bona (his recklessness has overshadowed Queta's) and Andre Drummond (since when could he shoot corner threes?!). It's fair to say that they'll have their work cut out for them shiuld they face Karl-Anthony Towns, Evan Mobley, and/or Jalen Duren.
First, they have to get past the 76ers, who we still don't know whether they will get Embiid back or not. Philadelphia has made it clear that they won't make it easy for Boston even if they never beat them again despite not having him.
If their frontcourt is able to get past these hurdles - if Queta can cut out the reckless fouls, Boston is golden - then there's substantially less to worry about. They'll have to prove it first, though.
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