King James Gospel
Fansided

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics: King James Gospel Roundtable Preview

By Nathan Beighle

Apr 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) works the ball against Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) works the ball against Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 11
Next
May 3, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) and guard JR Smith (5) celebrate in the first quarter against the Toronto Raptors in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) and guard JR Smith (5) celebrate in the first quarter against the Toronto Raptors in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Sam Beech

The Celtics have a chance in this series, because of the mental toughness and unity the team has shown since the passing of Isaiah Thomas’ sister. Even though the team appeared to be out-manned by a talented Washington Wizards squad, Boston showed the grit and heart it takes to grind out a tough playoff series.

Unfortunately for the Celtics, they are running in to a team that has mastered the art of overcoming adversity, and is also supremely talented.

Live Feed

Is taking a step back in 2023-24 inevitable for the Sacramento Kings?
Is taking a step back in 2023-24 inevitable for the Sacramento Kings? /

Sir Charles In Charge

  • WNBA standings: Resetting the race for the final playoff spots FanSided
  • How many teams make the NBA Playoffs? FanSided
  • Why are there no NBA games on Thanksgiving? FanSided
  • Los Angeles Lakers: Championships, NBA Finals appearances, history & more FanSided
  • 5 Teams that the Mavericks need to avoid in the playoffs next year The Smoking Cuban

    • X-factors 

    Isaiah Thomas vs Kyrie Irving: In order for the Celtics to pull off the upset, Thomas is going to have to win the point guard match-up handily. Thomas is a great scorer, but it’s hard to see him being able to slow down, let alone stop Irving.

    Celtics Match-Up with LeBron: Boston is going to have to hope that James goes on a cold streak from three, and that he turns in to a shell of himself overall. Even if both of those things happen, James will still likely be very effective, because Jae Crowder is nowhere near good enough to stop him.

    Three-point shooting: Boston is going to have to be very hot from three, and also hope for Cleveland to suddenly cool off for the Celtics to be able to keep pace with the Cavs. The Celtics are capable of making a lot, but can they guard the long ball?

    Prediction

    The Celtics’ best chances of winning rely on Cleveland basically playing unlike itself. While that is possible, it is not favorable to rely on the play of the opposition. Boston has had a great season, but it is running in to a team that is playing its best ball at the right time, and is clearly on a mission to repeat. It’s hard to see the ship change directions at this point.

    Pick: Cavs in 5