Game Preview: Celtics v Cavaliers

The Boston Celtics play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern
Conference Finals, at TD Garden on Wednesday evening. The Cavs won the season
series against the Celtics 3-1, however Boston finished first place in the
regular season to earn home court advantage for the playoffs. The Celtics’ only
victory against the Cavaliers this season was a home win, indicating that the
home court advantage could play a role in making this series competitive. The
Celtics will have to stop LeBron James, who averaged 29.3 points, 9.5 rebounds
and 9.8 assists per game this season against them, and is averaging 34.4 points,
9.0 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Isaiah Thomas
has been nearly as impressive, averaging 29.5 points, 6.5 assists and 3.0
rebounds in four contests against the Cavaliers this season, and 25.4 points,
6.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game so far in the playoffs. However, as
demonstrated by Kelly Olynyk’s clutch performance in the Celtics’ Game 7 win
over Washington, it will take more than just one player to win the series. Both
teams have deep benches and adaptable playing styles. The Celtics limited their
first two opponents, the Bulls and the Wizards to 31.0 percent from long range
in the postseason, while the Cavs have been the best three-point shooting team
in the postseason, hitting 43.4 percent of their shots. The Cavs took the
fastest route possible to the conference finals by sweeping the first two
rounds, with eight straight wins. They last played on May 7th and come into
Wednesday’s contest very well rested. On the other hand, the Celtics needed to
play 13 games in order to earn the eight wins and will be back in action after
only one day of rest.