The Boston Celtics are in Denial

The Boston Celtics are in Denial

The Boston Celtics are in Denial

The Boston Celtics have lost 5 out of their last nine, and yet from no is panicking. Doc Rivers doesn't seem worried because he said. "There are no back to back days in the playoffs are they?" No they aren't. The Celtics should be worried. Very worried. Until this slide the Celtics were leading the Eastern Conference, had the second best record in the league. Alleged throw in the Kendrick Perkins Jeff Green deal Nenad Krstic was averaging 15 points and 15 rebounds giving the Celtics offense from the Center position for the first time in ages. Jeff Green was filling in nicely at both forward positions giving the Celtics quality depth and there were talks the Perkins trade while questioned by you know everybody, was playing out in the Celtics favor and that Danny Ainge should be executive of the year. On top of that Shaq and Jermaine O'Neal were due back from injuries to add further depth. Things were looking up in Celtic nation.

But things have changed quickly since. Krystic has come back to his career averages of 5 and 5. Big Baby Davis who is closer to 6'7 than 6'9 and not a lot of vertical leap is playing in crunch time which is causing the Celtics to be small up front forcing K.G. to play center, which K.G. is not. Teams are attacking the offense glass and getting too many offensive rebounds because of this. Rondo's shooting woes have popped up again and teams are daring him to shoot jump shots and not giving his drives to the bucket. There are reports that he's really missing his BFF Perkins and that's the reason for his shooting slump. Even Paul Pierce shooting percentage is down to the low forties maybe because some of his minutes are being given to Green. The only consistent is Ray Allen, who still shooting well, but at this time in his career cannot carry the entire offense. The Celtics retooled veteran bench of Arroyo, Murphy and Pavlovic and West are getting some time on the court. But not making much of an impact and extending the lead or at least staying even while the starters rest.

The good news is that the Celtics defense has been there, keeping most of the opposition in the 90's and only allowing the Clippers to score over 100. The bad news is the Celtics themselves are having trouble scoring. They are averaging in the low 90's and the only game they scored over 100 was in the lost to the Clippers. It looks like the Celtics have lost their legs and with not Perkins have lost their edge.

Reading between the lines suggests the Celtics are waiting to get Shaq back to turn things around. He's been out since early February with tendinitis in his Achilles. He's supposed to be back first of April 1. But he was supposed to be back a month ago. There is nothing to suggest that after three months off what kind of shape he will be in. I'm guessing because of the type of injury Shaq was limited to stationary biking. He won't be in NBA shape, especially playoff basketball shape. Because of Shaq sheer size, he will probably give them close to a double, double in limited minutes. On the defensive end is where he will hurt the Celtics. He was never good against the pick and roll in his prime and now with more lack of agility. Teams will pick and roll the Celtics all night when Shaq is in the game. It will be a tough dilemma for Doc Rivers when Shaq does return.

What makes matters worse during the slide is that the Celtics are now in the second spot and are looking at a potential second round match up against the Miami Heat. The Celtics beat the Heat handily over the regular season, but will be tough to beat come playoff time. They last game they played against the Celtics the game was close. Since then the Heat has got better and the Celtics have regressed. Even if the Celtics can get by the Heat, it won't be easy. They will be playing the rested and young Chicago Bulls without home court advantage. Both will be grueling series.

Not that the Celtics won't admit it publically, but I'm sure they know that their playoff nemesis Los Angeles Lakers got hot and have also passed them in the standings. Can you say game 7 in Los Angeles again? I'm sure that brings back pleasant memories. That is, if the Celtics make it.

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