Derrick White sends strong message on Boston Celtics' biggest challenge from Cavs

Derrick White opened up on the biggest challenge the Boston Celtics face in their Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Cavs' backcourt duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, ahead of Game 1 on May 7.

"Both incredibly talented guards," White said (h/t Inside The Celtics). "Quick, can shoot it, score from all three levels. So, (it's) definitely a difficult challenge.

"I think we've got to take that individual pride and take on the challenge and understand that it's not a one-on-one game. Everyone's got to be a participant and help each other out. So, it kind of goes hand-in-hand: individually, you gotta do what you gotta do, and you got to get your teammates behind you as well."

Mitchell singlehandedly willed Cleveland to a first-round series victory against the Orlando Magic; seeing his 50-point Game 6 closeout game in the Sunshine State wasted but giving the Cavs a 39-point effort in Game 7 to seal the deal. Garland had 20+-point outings in Game 5 and Game 6.

Boston Celtics may get bailed out in Cavs series with Jarrett Allen injury

Both the Celtics and Cavs will be down their starting center for at least a portion of the Eastern Conference Semifinals series. Kristaps Porzingis could be out for the entire series, and possibly even the Eastern Conference Finals, but Jarrett Allen's injury makes Cleveland a much easier challenge for however long he is out.

Without Allen, Marcus Morris has been the starting 4, and that is nothing but good news for Jayson Tatum -- who has the chance to become by far the biggest mismatch in the series. Even with both Allen and Evan Mobley, though, Cleveland will have a tough time defending the perimeter.

The idea of "luck" in sports is tricky, but the Cs definitely face the proposition of owning good fortunes if Allen doesn't suit up for several games this series.