Is it Wrong to Call the Boston Celtics Underdogs?
Despite earning the first seed in the Eastern Conference after a great regular season, and with home court advantage coming into this matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers, people are still labeling this Celts team as the underdogs.
So, is it justified to call this team that went 53-29 in the regular season underdogs against a team they finished above in the standings? Yes and no.
First, let's take a look at why they should be considered underdogs:
The Defense is, and Has Been Lacking
The Celts have taken a "we are going to outscore you" approach to this season, both regular and post. They averaged 108 points during the regular season, and have continued that offensive production through two rounds in the playoffs, averaging 107.1 points per game. That is thanks, in large part, to Isiah Thomas and his gaudy numbers (more on I.T. later).
But, the Celtics defense has been woefully bad. Looking at the defensive numbers from this team over 95 total games this season would bring San Antonio Spurs coach Greg Popovich to tears. The Celts ranked 15th during the regular season in points allowed per game (105.4.) and they still haven't figured it out in the postseason, ranking 8th allowing, 103.4 points per game.
Not to mention, the Cavs won 3 of 4 against the Celtics, and gave up an average 116 points to Lebron, Kyrie, and company.
If the Celtics don't get there defense in order, the Cavs will run all over them. Just look at them in this postseason! Undefeated, averaging 110 points per game on the offensive end, and well rested. Brad Stevens better be rewriting his game plans today.
Outside of Boston, the Celtics Have Struggled
The same could be said for the Cavaliers outside of Cleveland, who finished with a losing record on the road in the regular season (20-21), but Tyronn Lue seems to have figured out how to get his team playing well on the road, closing out two series on the road this postseason, and going 4-0.
The Celtics on the other hand, were average at best in the regular season on the road, going 23-18, but they have continued to be average on the road in the playoffs.
After going undefeated against the Bulls in Chicago, the Celtics were unable to win a single game in the Verizon Center in D.C. against the Wizards. So, can the Celtics win in the Q come games 3 and 4? I honestly don't think they can. With the way the Cavs have played all season at home, it all comes down to the games in Boston.
Just like the previous series, all the pressure is on the Celts to hold serve at TD Garden. If they can't win both games 1 and 2, they won't last long against the defending champs.
Don't count the Celts out however! I still have (some) hope that this will be a competitive series, and here's why you shouldn't write off the #1 seed in the East just yet:
Isiah Thomas
Pretty simple, straight to the point X factor right here. Such a hot take I know! But in all honesty, the Celtics live and die based on the play of Thomas and how many points he can score.
This season was the best in Thomas' career, as he averaged the most points ever with just shy of 29 points. Thomas has been the emotional leader for this team and when he can't be the team struggles.
Just look at game one against the Chicago Bulls after the tragic death of his sister. Thomas played a hell of a game considering the situation, scoring 33 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. But his defense was lacking as Jimmy Butler poured in 30 points.
I am a huge fan of Isiah and I think he is an absolute beast. I hope he can bring the Celtics to the NBA Final, but I'm still skeptical.
Can Kelly Olynyk Continue his Hot Shooting?
Well this was certainly a shocker in Game 7. Olynyk played a great 28 minutes, going 10 for 14 from the field, scoring 26 points and nabbing 5 rebounds.
Olynyk hit a clutch three in the fourth quarter to put the Celtics up by 10 with just 3 minutes remaining, another shocking stat from Olynyk, making two three pointers.
If the Celts can get help from their role players, they definitely have a chance at pulling the upset over the Cavs.
There it is I said it. I saved it to the very end of the post but yes, calling the Celtics underdogs in this series is deserved, not because of the teams short comings, but because of the Cavs quality.
This should be a very fun series to watch. I'm looking forward to it.
