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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Sep 18, 2007
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This may sound strange, but as I watch Boston's silly domination of Atlanta, I can't help but feel like they're getting the worst possible warmup for Washington or Cleveland.
The Wizards beat the Celtics 3 of 4 games this year, including one in Boston. Cleveland beat the Celtics both games they played in Cleveland. I know the Celtics beat the Cavs both games in Boston, but the transition from Atlanta to Washington or Cleveland is going to be a big one (no offense, Hawks, the Celtics were in your shoes many times over the last few years).
I'm not saying Boston won't win a 7 game series against Washington or Cleveland, but they're used to cruising through every quarter right now, and they're likely going to have quite a few days off after this series. I mean, isn't there such a thing as TOO much rest? Anyone remember what happened to the Rockies after they swept their way through the NL playoffs last year then ran into a battle-tested Red Sox team that had no downtime to get lazy? I don't think the Celtics will share the Rockies fate, but it's just not going to be that easy from here on out.
What are your thoughts on this Atlanta series being a disadvantage for the Celtics?
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 5, 2007
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One thing is for sure: The Celtics haven't played their best basketball yet. Also, Boston doesn't have a disadvantage because their team is so good that they can beat any team anyday. Even though they have lost to Washington and Cleveland, the playoffs is totally different. Look for the Celtics to come out with a venegance. Even if Boston has too much rest, they can get back into sync pretty quickly. A really big advantage that Boston has is that their bench is so good that Boston can use their bench to possibly beat Washington or Cleveland. The only intriguing matchup in the East is when Pistons go against the Celtics. Both have very good starting fives, and have very deep benches. That should be an exciting series. But for the first two rounds, Boston should advance past easily.
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Reputation:28
Level:Rookie
Since:Dec 5, 2006
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I have to say, with a veteran team like the Celtics, I would take an easy first round series, then rest, any day as compared to a hard-fought, grueling series any day. Lets let detroit, Cleveland/washington beat themselves up for a seven game series and then face a rested, veteran team like the celtics. A long rest and then a one-game final, such as in College football might be different, but in a seven game series, the better team usually wins (not always, but usually)
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Sep 30, 2007
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Here's another thing to consider: the Pistons looked good tonight in evening up the series with Philly, but if Philly somehow pulls off the upset, THEY'LL be headed to Boston next, not Washington or Cleveland, because they're the lower seed. (Of course, this is assuming Toronto loses to Orlando, which looks nearly as probable as the Celtics sweep of Atlanta.)
If Boston DOES take on Philly, the matchup will be more favorable for Boston than if they had to play Washington or Cleveland, since the Celtics beat the 76ers 3 of 4 this year.
I still don't think this is much to worry about. I agree with the others above. Boston should be on relative cruise-control until they meet up with the Pistons. Even then, the series is slightly in their favor because the Celtics are just hungrier and better rested than any team in the country. The Finals are basically theirs to lose IMHO.
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Aug 18, 2006
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Grazlin, I think this series actually helps them. Atlanta has been VERY physical with Boston and should get them ready for physical series with a Cleveland or Washington. The Celtics team as a whole have been cruising for almost 4-6 weeks leading up to the playoffs and they still came in focused and really ready to play. The players and coaching staff have done a good job of that.
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Reputation:90
Level:All-Star
Since:May 20, 2007
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First of all, kopakaxaxl, this is not the NFL, the brackets are set, the lowest seed doesn't get shuffled around to match up with the highest seed in the next round. So Boston will face either Cleveland or Washington.
Second, I would rather have a quick 4 game sweep. Some of the Celtics could use the rest. Garnett being the biggest one. He uses up so much energy each game, the best thing for him would be rest (not that he would really get a lot from the way he practices).
Third, I want the Celtics to play LeBron James and his Cleveland mates in the next round. I think it would be a great series and a warm up for Detroit and L.A.
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Mar 8, 2008
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I can see what your saying, but I still think that it won't matter for the Celtics. They'll still beat the Cavs in like 5 games. They're too good and too veteran for having off time to take them out of their game. They rested at the end of the regular season and still came out pounding their first two games of the playoffs.
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Sep 14, 2006
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I'm a Wizards fan, and I don't see how playing the Hawks hurts the Celtics in anyway.
That sounds like typical what can I worry about BS. IF the Celtics were a young team. Maybe.
It helps the Celtics. This Celtics squad has a lot of experience, I don't see them losing their edge because of playing a softer team. What you want them to struggle with Atlanta?
The best possible scenario for Boston was Atlanta followed by Cavs or Wizards. The one knock against the Celtics is the idea that they might get worn down cause of age. I don't buy that after this season, but if it was true the season shows the Celtics know how to stay focused.
Again, i am a Wizards fan. My team is playing like a dead fish right now... so I don't know what the odds of playing the Wiz are. But Boston should be able to easily handle the Cavs.
Sometimes Boston fans get annoying with all their chicken little crap. Like if you win a championship I see someone posting a thread about how maybe it's bad for the team to win a championship. :)
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Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Jul 18, 2007
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Atlanta is highly athletic, but so inconsistent. They are more like a tune-up for the Celtics. I don't think it will hurt them much. They will only have to worry about one of those teams (Cavs and Wizards). I don't think Cavs can win a 7 game series against the Celtics, and they will beat the Wizards. The Wizards I would have feared a lttle bit more., they don't seem to match up well with them. I think it is the size of the Wizards they have an issue with. I believe the will win the NBA East, then go for a great matchup against the Spurs. I will go with Celtics in 7.
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