Tonight the Boston Celtics will host the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics were able to secure home court advantage by maintaining the best record in the Eastern Conference through the regular season. The Celtics are coming off of a big Game 7 win in the Conference Semifinals against the Washington Wizards. The Cavs, on the other hand, have been well-rested -- sweeping both of their opponents so far.
Game 1 preview
In Game 1, expect LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to come out with the same energy they've shown in previous series.
The Boston Celtics, on the other hand, haven't been as consistent with getting off to hot starts. However, the Celtics have proven that when they are at home they can be a problem for opponents. It will be interesting to see how the young Boston Celtics can match-up with the much more experienced Cleveland Cavaliers in a seven-game series.
Lebron James
Lebron James has had arguably the most exciting season of his career. King James has managed to hold on to the crown in a league that has groomed many stars since he entered it back in 2003. Lebron posted the most triple doubles he's ever managed in a single-season this year. He's also become the threat from the perimeter that he's always needed to be for his style of play.
More importantly, Lebron has been the floor general that has led his team to two consecutive sweeps in the first two rounds of the playoffs. His leadership has gotten the Cavs much needed rest throughout the playoffs.
Isaiah Thomas
Thomas has led the young Boston Celtics on an amazing playoff run so far. Helping his team battle back from falling behind 0-2 to the Chicago Bulls in the first-round while dealing with the death of his younger sister Chyna solidified I.T.
as a superstar in the NBA. However, going against the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers will be his biggest challenge of the 2017 playoffs.
If Thomas can't lead Boston past the Cavs this year, it will only make next season more interesting, considering that the Celtics were winners in last night's NBA Draft Lottery. The Celtics will have the number one overall pick in this summer's NBA Draft.
Whether or not the Celtics keep the pick or trade it for an established star is not yet known. Until then, I.T. will have to take the Celtics' current assets and rally them to play their best basketball of the season.
The Celtics take on the Cavs at 8:30 pm Eastern Time on TNT.