Live Thread: Cavs vs Celtics

We circled today’s date exactly eight weeks ago: as soon as word leaked of Kyrie Irving’s impending trade to the Boston Celtics for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, and Ante Zizic.  Now Boston comes to town starting  Jaelyn Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, Gordon Hayward, and a “real grown up,” Kyrie Irving.

For the Cavs, LeBron James is a game time decision, but guys like J.R. Smith expect him to play. No word on who’ll start in his place if he sits. Joining LeBron or LeSub will be Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, Jae Crowder, and Kevin Love as starters. It will be interesting to see if Rose’s hot preseason play continues and if Kyrie Irving can keep up with him. Further, it will be fascinating to see how the Cavs defend Irving, Hayward, and Co.

Speaking of Hayward, how much will he see the rock? If I’m the Cavs I’m making Jaylen Brown, Al Horford, and Jayson Tatum beat me before I back the pressure off Uncle Drew. For Cleveland, establishing the inside presence and pummeling the Celtics on the boards will also be key, as will limiting turnovers. Look for Wade to establish himself against some eager young defenders with lots of pump fakes and trips to the line.

The Cavs bench looks to go rockete league with the offensive pace they set at times during the preseason. There should be plenty of opportunies to launch for Korver and JR in that lineup and plenty of rebounds for Tristan Thompson.

It should be a fun one. Go Cavs.