Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 keys to victory in Game 1

BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball during the game against Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the game between the two teams on February 11, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics kick off Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at 3:30 pm EST.

For the second straight season, the Cleveland Cavaliers will meet the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.

For Cavs fans, they hope this series mirrors the 2017 ECF’s, a series that ended in five quick games. But, with the Cavs former superstar point guard in street clothes on the Celtics bench, this series becomes much more interesting.

In general, there will be several variables that will ultimately define this series.

Can the play of the young C’s continue? Will James be able to expose the inexperienced Celtics? Most importantly, will we see the Cavaliers role players step up like they did in the Cavs clean four-game sweep of Toronto?

While Game 1 most certainly won’t be the end-all for the Cavaliers or the Celtics, it will gauge much of this series. As the C’s look to continue their undefeated home postseason record, the Cavaliers must enter TD Garden and do what neither the Bucks or 76ers have done. Win.

That said, let’s get into three keys for the Cavaliers as get ready to play Game 1 later today.