The Playoffs...

I know it's a bit early for this but nonetheless....how will this play out?

...anyone else want to weigh in....?

Laceltfan,
Sorry, I'm not going to cast my vote - don't want to jinx.

AK

O.K. LA, I'll give it a shot...

This is going to be one major struggle. Think 7-game slug-fest a la last year's Chicago series. And this time it's all about defense.

Although the Celtics have slipped on the trademark D for stretches this year, I think they'll hold it together for the postseason. Garnett is a fierce and proud competitor and I think we're going to see him leave whatever he's got on the floor in case this is his last waltz, postseason or otherwise. He's been showing better elevation of late and a few of his old turnaround and fall away moves offensively. Rondo too is going to be a key here. As one of the better defending guards in the league I wouldn't be surprised to see Doc put him on Wade to at least try and slow Wade down some.

Despite what we saw when we played Miami this season, things there have changed lately. Look for Miami to keep the Celtics offense in check. It looks to me like many people, at least those who write basketball columns, have missed how good Miami's defense has gotten. On the other side of the ball, you know D Wade is ready. I totally buy that basketball is the ultimate team game, but having what is arguably one of the top 5 offensive players in the league on your side can't hurt. Arroyo will have one eye on Wade every time he brings the ball up the floor.

I think the Miami front-line is going to give us a tough time on the boards; KG, Perk and Sheed are going to be going into a heated battle with O'Neal, Beasley and Haslem.

The series outcome may end up hinging on two key matchups; Pierce and Q Richardson, and, should it come to be, Rondo and Wade. If Rondo can slow Wade, and Pierce can get to the rim or at least create space for himself to shoot against Q, we could have the edge we need. I sincerely believe this series may come down to Pierce and Q, mano a mano.

I would look for Finley and T Allen to be wild cards off the bench in this series. Finley to keep the intensity of our perimeter shooting up while spelling Ray, and Tony to hold up the defensive pressure on Miami's guard rotation as we move through our backcourt rotation.

Bottom line; this will be the intense, nasty 15 round heavyweight brawl no one saw coming, and may just end up being one of the best playoff series of the first round.

Celtics in 7.

Disclaimer and fair disclosure; don't bet the house on predictions I come up with.

Celtics are too deep and too strong down low to lose to Miami.

Wade will get his, but Pierce will eat Richardson - KG will kill Beasley and Rondo should get what he wants against Chalmers.

Not that worried about the first round. Second round is a different story. Stay tuned.