Look out, Cleveland

[Celtics17]

I think we've got a legitimate shot at making this series competitive and possibly even pulling the upset.

Clearly, Cleveland is significantly better than Miami, but the formula for success will be more or less the same as in our first round series.

We weren't able to stop D-Wade and we won't be able to stop Lebron, but I believe we can make it tough for him. I want a series where James starts to feel like he has to win it by himself. To me, the x-factor on the offensive end for the Cavs will be Mo Williams. He will get some open looks, and if he starts feeling it from outside, it could spell trouble. Shaq and Jamison don't worry me as much.

On the offensive end, the big four can't be stopped. Ray's been in a zone since the all-star break. I just don't see one of his patented post-season slumps coming this year. Paul's been playing Paul Pierce caliber basketball since the end of the regular season. He's healthy and hungry. Garnett will never be as explosive as he once was, but he's looked healthier through this first round than at any point since our championship run. And, Rondo will continue to be the straw that stirs the drink. His jump shot is still not what it ought to be, but he is a magician in the lane. He wreaks so much havoc, and makes everything so much easier for the other guys.

I'm excited for this series to start. Go Cs!!

[texascelticsfan]

Was Wedn'sday evenin' when first we heard the word,
It did not come by train nor bird.
T'was when Ben Pike stepped down to say,
"This old town's gonna blow away.

[Celtics17]

Was Wedn'sday evenin' when first we heard the word,
It did not come by train nor bird.
T'was when Ben Pike stepped down to say,
"This old town's gonna blow away.

"The storm is comin' through.
And, it's runnin' right up on you."

You rock, TCF!

[CelticSooner]

The only way I see the C's winning this series is if they steal game 1 or 2 and win 3 and 4. I think it will go 7 and the Cavs having homecourt will be a huge factor. Varejao has killed the C's in previous games against Cleveland this year. He is the one that worries me the most.

Everyone has to be on for the C's to win this series, Rondo especially. If he isn't breaking down the Cavs defense, the offense will become stagnant and the rest is history.

[OB- wan]

I think the C's will get by Cleveland and lose to Orlando.

[CaptChris]

The series is going to the team that stays healthy. Celts can't afford any injuries. Especially to any Bigs. Cavs are a Big Team. Shaq -- Jameson -- Varejo -- Iggy, and friends. Perk and BB have to stay out of foul trouble, and hit the boards.

Jameson is the story. He is a viable 2nd score and Rebounder r for the Cavs. He makes them a much tougher team. He can get our Bigs in trouble with his moves to the bucket. Rondo has to put the brakes on Williams.

We can get them if we stay healthy, and stay out of foul trouble.

[OB- wan]

Time for the C's to show the league they are still the bully and they are savvy veterans. They need to make sure LeBron gets whacked on that elbow every time he decides to go into the lane. Perk, Baby, Sheed, KG, PP and Tony all need to hit that thing every chance they get and let that queen know it's not going to be a joy ride getting through the Celtics.

[nighthob]

I think the C's will get by Cleveland and lose to Orlando.

Honestly if they get by Cleveland they probably win the title as they match up much better with Orlando than they do Cleveland. Orlando is, apparently, even willing to help them out by spending way too much time this year playing the victim card and crying like their fans.

[OB- wan]

I just feel in my gut that LeBron is not going to look as good as he has all year and it will get in his head and more importantly his team mates heads. I think it will be a combination of his elbow, the Celtics playing him physical and him not yet being mentally prepared to deal with adversity if the series get tough for him. The C's HAVE to play him physical and go old school Bad Boys on him, I think.

Then if the C's get by I think they are a horrible match-up against Orlando. Logic would say they should be even better against Orlando with Sheed ( known to play Howard tough ) and KG back this year but Orlando just has too much fire power for Boston, IMO. Also, I think Nelson is an advantage for Orlando vs Rondo and once Rondo's confidence gets affected he goes in his shell.

[King James]

I think you've got a good shot of packing your bags and staying in Boston.