Cavs vs. Celtics Series Thread

Now that we moved on past the most unprofessional collection of morons called the Wizards, it's time for the playoffs to truly begin. 

The big, bad, Celtics are a whole different team and the Cavaliers have to bring their A game for the entire series and it still is going to be tough.  They can only blame themselves for playing Boston this early in the playoffs.  There were so many games this season that they should have won and could have easily been a three seed.

All that being said, here's my elementary analysis of the series.  Keep in mind that the Cavs tend to mix up their lineup and I realize it changes frequently.

• Point Guard:  Rajon Rando vs. Delonte West:  West playing well in the playoffs and is doing what the Cavs brought him in to do.  His 3-pt shooting has been great and that will need to continue.  He will come out strong and will want to prove to Boston that they never should have let him go.  That being said, Rondo is a solid player and is also playing well in the playoffs averaging 12 pts and 7 assists.  He is a solid support to the Big Three, but doesn't shoot from outside.  Edge: EVEN
• Shooting Guard:  Ray Allen vs. Daniel Gibson:  Boobie is a solid player and is shooting the ball well from outside in the playoffs.  But Ray Allen is Ray Allen and is going to get some open shots.  If he hits them, he will be the difference maker in the series.  Edge:  CELTICS
• Center:  Kendrick Perkins vs. Zydrunas Ilgauskas:  Perkins is a big body and filling a big man role while the Big Three do their thing.  Ilgauskas brings great experience, can shoot from outside, and always comes up big in at least two games during a series.  Edge: CAVALIERS
• Small Forward:  Paul Pierce vs. LeBron James:  Pierce is a top tier player and will be a large piece to the puzzle for the Celtics run.  However, James is a premiere player and makes everyone around him better.  Look for some hard fouls on James, but Boston doesn't need that desperation tactic that Washington took.  Edge: CAVALIERS
• Power Forward: Kevin Garnett vs. Ben Wallace:  What I said about LeBron, apply to Garnett.  THis guy is hungry and is the cornerstone to this year's Celtics.  It's hard to say who Mike Brown will start in this spot, but the Cavs are going to need to pester KG.  Varejao really annoys Garnett and they have a track record when he was with the Timberwolves.  Edge: CELTICS
• Coaching: Doc Rivers vs. Mike Brown:  Mike Brown still hasn't grasped what to do with his lineups since the trade and I'll never understand how/why the team comes out flat in the games they do (see game 3 and 5 of the Wizard series).  Rivers is like a Joe Torre or Terry Francona.  Despite being given an unfair amount of talent, he still needs to coach to make them successful.  66 wins is impressive.  Edge: CELTICS
• BENCH: The Cavs still don't have a true starting lineup that fits the traditional mold.  In fact, Wally Szczerbiak will probably start.  But they have a solid bench if Mike Brown uses them correctly.  I like the big men for the Cavs and think this can be an advantage to keep Garnett at bay.  Anderson Varejao and Joe Smith should get the majority of the minutes.  Gibson, Sasha Pavlovic, and Damon Jones are always a deep threat. The Celtics bench is moderate at best.  Cassell and Posey provide something, but there is not much need with the Big Three. Edge: CAVALIERS

For the Cavs to win: No letdown games where they don't show up.  Mike Brown needs to rotate the lineup appropriately.  The power forwards need to slow Garnett down.  Ray Allen needs to be cold. Oh, and they need some triple doubles from LeBron!

For the Celtics to win:  Stop LeBron and force the supporting cast to make shots.  If they win every game in Boston, they'll be fine.  The Cavs are lousy on the road lately.

PREDICTION:  Cavaliers in 7 games.  Cavs will slow the Celtics down and win some close games.