Celtics vs. Nets: X-factors
Boston’s X-Factor: Tristan Thompson
Though he’s clearly not the same player he was with LeBron’s Cavaliers, Tristan Thompson is still a menace on the offensive glass. Boston doesn’t have nearly the same bucket-getting ability as Brooklyn, so second-chance points will be their only hope.
If the Celtics are going to have success against the Nets, Thompson will absolutely have to be a factor in this series.
Brooklyn’s X-factor: Health
Even though Brooklyn’s health is obviously an important factor, it’s also somewhat of a cop-out, so let’s provide another: Blake Griffin. If he can handle switches and provide adequate rim protection, his interior passing, coupled with Harden’s full-court passing, will open the window for some 30-plus team assist games.
If Griffin can give the Nets some valuable minutes throughout this series, it would tip the scales even further in the favor of the Nets.