Game Thread | Game #65 | Cavs @ Celtics | March 1, 2023 (ESPN)

[PIP]

We are gonna get mollywhopped....

 

[stick]

We are gonna get mollywhopped....

 

[Wham with the Right Hand]

I think we have the guys to matchup with Brown & Tatum (Okoro/LeVert, Mobley/Wade), but what do we do with Garland and Mitchell? If Mobley takes Tatum and Okoro takes Brown, who do they guard? One takes Smart, but that leaves the other on either Horford or Williams. I think you have to play Allen on Williams. So that leaves either Mitchell or Garland on Horford?

I was thinking the same thing. I'd have Mobley on Tatum, Allen on Robert Williams, Okoro on Brown, Garland on Smart, and yes, Mitchell on Horford. Horford is 36 years old and mostly spots up for 3's. That would let Mitchell save his energy for offense. I think Mitchell can handle him unless he posts up, at which point he would need help from Allen or Mobley.

Boston is going to be setting screens like everybody so we won't always be able to dictate who is checking who.

 

[MrDonut]

The Cavs have never beaten the Celtics in franchise history (don't look it up it's true) and I don't expect that to change tonight.

 

[2 For The Brew]

I felt like the 76ers game was going to be a fun test and it wasn't really close. This team needs to show me consistency to get excited about games against the top teams. Especially on the road.

I was at the 76ers game. Down 25 at the half and we cut it to four. Would have been two if Mobley makes the shot. It was a fantastic comeback against a very good team. We lost by six. I got my money’s worth despite the loss and expensive tickets.

I don’t think there is an NBA team that is consistent on the road against good teams. We’re also very young and young teams aren’t going to be consistent.

We’ve played Boston twice & won both in overtime. Game tonight is nationally televised. We’re in the fourth seed; they’re first.

Yup, no reason to get excited, this team just isn’t worthy of the high expectations of some fans.

 

[Wham with the Right Hand]

The Cavs came out ready to compete against Toronto and they need to make sure they are ready to throw the first punch tonight. Boston will be looking to do the same. The first quarter will be important.

The Cavs need to make sure they don't leave any shooters open at the 3-point line and they can't allow the Celtics to get to the free throw line 30 times like the last two games.

These teams have not played in four months, but I don't think they've changed a lot. The Cavs added Rubio and subtracted Love. The Celtics added Williams and Muscala, but Muscala is questionable.

The Celtics are +8.9 points per game at home while the Cavs are +1.7 on the road.

 

[2 For The Brew]

The Cavs have never beaten the Celtics in franchise history (don't look it up it's true) and I don't expect that to change tonight.

Mr Donut with a croissant avatar - welcome, great post. Maybe you’re a long time poster and you’re a burner account (please don’t burn croissants or donuts) or maybe you’re new to the site but keep posting.

 

[Lee]

The Cavs have never beaten the Celtics in franchise history (don't look it up it's true) and I don't expect that to change tonight.

I think you have inspired my next Avatar

 

[Jscc]

I was at the 76ers game. Down 25 at the half and we cut it to four. Would have been two if Mobley makes the shot. It was a fantastic comeback against a very good team. We lost by six. I got my money’s worth despite the loss and expensive tickets.

I don’t think there is an NBA team that is consistent on the road against good teams. We’re also very young and young teams aren’t going to be consistent.

We’ve played Boston twice & won both in overtime. Game tonight is nationally televised. We’re in the fourth seed; they’re first.

Yup, no reason to get excited, this team just isn’t worthy of the high expectations of some fans.

This would be true if not for those expectations being the stated standards of the team itself. JA said they can't keep leaning on being young after the Golden State loss.

 

[Futuredome]

Somebody besides the big 4 need to do something. That is the key. You know Mobley and Garland will struggle at times as they always do in big games.

 

[2 For The Brew]

This would be true if not for those expectations being the stated standards of the team itself. JA said they can't keep leaning on being young after the Golden State loss.

I expect the team to have high expectations. That doesn’t mean they’re realistic. The idea that any team - including the Celtics - can consistently win on the road against good teams is not realistic. Boston lost twice to Orlando for instance - does that mean Celtics fans shouldn’t get excited about them?

When’s the last time we were fourth seed this late in the season without LeBron?

I don’t want the players to think being young is an excuse. I get that. The fact is that a veteran team will have an edge over a younger team. We’re going up against a better & more experienced team that was in the Finals last season - in their gym. We’re not favored. I think it’s more likely than not that we’ll lose but as a Cavaliers fan I’m excited for the game.

I don’t expect to win the title this year either. Does that mean we shouldn’t be excited about the playoffs?

 

[bleedwineandgold03]

I’m not expecting to win this game at all I don’t see us sweeping Boston

 

[The Oi]

Celtics 125
Cavs 110

 

[bleedwineandgold03]

Celtics 125
Cavs 110

Rather see a blow out loss than a close game loss lol

 

[stick]

I would like to see a strong side screen from a big for Donovan while on the weakside Okoro spots up in the corner and Darius is in wait on the three point wing. When the big sets the screen for Donovan, I wanna see a domino effect.

-the other big set a screen on DG's man
-Okoro goes straight ahead and sets a screen on the defender that is sunk into the paint
-DG curls to the corner where Okoro once was.

If Donovan has the angle, pass that shit to DG for three.