2018 NBA Playoffs: Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers preview

Individual Matchups:

PG: Terry Rozier vs. George Hill

Once Kyrie Irving was lost for the postseason after knee surgery in April, Terry Rozier was tasked with replacing the five-time All-Star’s production.

Needless to say, Rozier has held his own in 12 playoff games for the C’s, averaging 18.2 points and 5.8 assists per game, using his Energizer Bunny-like play to constantly put pressure on the defense whenever he has the ball in his hands.

Acquired in February, George Hill has been inconsistent in his short stint in Cleveland. The normally poised 3-and-D veteran struggled to get acclimated to his new environment but has picked up the slack as of late, averaging 12.3 points over the final three games against Toronto.

Should he continue to produce offensively, Hill will be a valuable piece for the Cavs, but Rozier has been consistently great on both ends, and that doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. Advantage: Celtics

SG: Jaylen Brown vs. J.R. Smith

With elite athleticism and a largely improved outside shot, Brown has found his niche in Boston’s offense during the playoffs, averaging 16.9 points per game on 48.7 percent shooting from the field. Coupled with his elite defensive chops thanks to his 6’7″, 225-pound frame, Brown is arguably the C’s best two-way player.

A two-way threat of his own, J.R. Smith has struggled with inconsistent shooting throughout his career. Against Toronto though, Smith found his touch, making 10 3-pointers while shooting a scorching 76.9 percent from downtown.

If J.R. can maintain anything close to that level from deep, his improved defensive play will make him a force on both ends.

However, in Brad Stevens offense, Brown won’t struggle to score, and his defense will always be there, making him a safe bet to produce throughout the series, something that can’t be said for J.R. Advantage: Celtics

SF: Jayson Tatum vs. Kyle Korver

During his inaugural playoff run, Jayson Tatum is playing well beyond the years, averaging 18.8 points per game on 45.9 percent shooting, including seven consecutive games crossing the 20-point mark, second for a rookie all time behind Lew Alcindor.

Tatum has become adept at all facets on the offensive end, capable of creating his own shot off the dribble or spotting up from beyond the arc.

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Kyle Korver is a different story, as he gets his buckets in one way and one way only: from 3-point land.

The career 43.1 percent shooter from deep continues to thrive at age 37, as the threat of that silky jumper forces defenses to account for him at all times. That is even more pressing when he’s on the move.

Never a great defender, Korver has become smarter on that end, understanding Cleveland’s defensive schemes and doing his best to comply.

Even with improved defensive skills, Korver is no match for the 20-year-old Tatum, as the future star poses many problems on the offensive end, ones that a limited Korver can’t match. Advantage: Celtics

PF: Semi Ojeleye vs. LeBron James

In their matchup against the 76ers, Brad Stevens counteracted Philly’s size with big men of his own, inserting Aron Baynes into the starting lineup and moving Al Horford to the power forward spot.

Against the Cavaliers, Stevens will likely return to the smaller lineup he used against the Bucks, as Cleveland likes to slot James at the 4 with Kevin Love at the 5, giving Semi Ojeleye another crack at defending an NBA superstar.

At 6’7″, 241 pounds, Ojeleye is one of the biggest wings in the game, capable of bullying the opposition into tougher looks. Only a 33.3 percent 3-point shooter during these playoffs, Ojeleye isn’t a great floor spacer. With an endless supply of energy, though, he finds ways to contribute on the offensive end.

Then there’s LeBron James. Even after all the wear and tear on his body, James doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

The three-time champion’s IQ continues to grow with each game, allowing him to deconstruct a defense and put up 30 points and 10 assists with ease.

Ojeleye will be eager to step up to the challenge of guarding James, but many before him have tried, and all have failed. Expect to add Semi to the list of supposed players that can stifle The King but don’t wind up doing so. Advantage: Cavaliers

C: Al Horford vs. Kevin Love

After signing Al Horford a four-year, $113 million contract in the summer of 2016, many criticized Celtics general manager Danny Ainge for overpaying for a glorified role player. During this postseason run, Horford has been anything but, providing Boston with a little bit of everything on both ends.

Need Al to score 20 points? No problem. Need someone to facilitate the basketball? Horford’s the guy. Need him to guard 1-5? Easy.

Kevin Love, on the other hand, has been as inconsistent as they come in the 2018 NBA Playoffs. Averaging just 11.4 points per game on 33.3 percent shooting against the Pacers, Love’s play invited the question of just how good he really was.

Against Toronto, however, Love answered those questions, in the form of 20.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game on 47.5 percent shooting from the field. His ability to dominate both inside and out provides the Cavs with a co-star for James, and his newfound attacking mentality bodes well for when his outside shot fails to drop.

Horford’s game isn’t predicated on scoring, and he doesn’t have to score a point to impact the outcome of a game. Love may have found his rhythm on the offensive end, and his defense seems to have improved as well, but Horford simply provides too many skills, ones that Love’s game can’t close the gap on. Advantage: Celtics