Boston Celtics Playoff Preview: The Most Dangerous Team In The East?

Best and Worst Case Scenario

Everything the Boston Celtics have accomplished so far this season have been done despite two major flaws: their lack of size, and their struggles from behind the 3-point line.

At 5-foot-9 and 6-foot-2 respectively, Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley make up one of the league’s smallest backcourts. When the two are on the court together, offenses can exploit their lack of size, and the Celtic’s perimeter D becomes suspect. They’re even more vulnerable in the paint. With undersized big men Jared Sullinger and Amir Johnson manning the interior, the C’s often struggle to protect the rim. Neither one can keep from getting beaten inside, and they struggle to keep serious big men off the boards.

Offensively, the C’s love to spread the floor to create space for ball movement. Their primary way of doing so is by shooting the 3-ball. That’s why they shoot 26.3 per game. The problem? The Celtics don’t shoot the 3-ball well. Shooting 33.5 percent from behind the arc, the C’s rank 27th in the league in 3-point shooting.

Likely facing tougher defenses, Boston won’t be able to get away with hitting under 35 percent of their 3’s in the playoffs.

Boston’s playoff success will ultimately be dictated by their weaknesses. They are fully capable of smothering teams with their staunch defense, and can go deep in the Eastern Conference. They absolutely have the talent to do it. But they also have weaknesses that can be taken advantage of.

Any team with an above-average big man has the ability to destroy Boston inside, and if the C’s themselves can’t figure out a way to shoot better from behind the arc, they will run into trouble.

Next: Prediction