Celtics and Cavaliers set for first healthy matchup

Stars of the Night

Celtics

Isaiah Thomas: 26.8ppg, 6.3apg, 2.5rpg

Al Horford: 15.5ppg, 5.0apg, 6.8rpg

Avery Bradley: 17.8ppg, 2.4apg, 7.2rpg

Cavaliers

Kyrie Irving: 23.6ppg, 5.8apg, 3.5

Lebron James: 25.5ppg, 8.6apg, 7.9rpg

Kevin Love: 21.7ppg, 1.7apg, 10.8rpg

Tonight, the Celtics will have their biggest test of the year when they take on the Cavaliers tonight. During their last matchup the shorthanded Celtics were beaten 128-122 though Isaiah Thomas and Jaylen Brown led the teams with 30 and 19 points respectively. Much has been made about who the Celtics are and where they rank amongst the elite. With the Celtics full roster intact the team has been an impressive 13-4, and has showed some of the tenacious defensive that Celtics fans have learned to identify as the teams image. This will be the first time we’ve seen Al Horford in green against the Eastern conference foes, and his presence will be huge against the likes of Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love. Tonight will also be to look out for the rebounding battle. Most naysayers of Horford have pointed to his lack of presence on the boards and specifically looked at his matchups against the Cavaliers of proof of his inability to be a presence down low. On the site we’ve pointed to that being a scheme issue in Atlanta more than a hole in his game, but tonight will be an interesting look into just how much of a presence he can be on the defensive end. Neither Cleveland or Boston plays at a particularly fast pace, but both are top 10 offenses; so needless to say, execution will be a particular point of interest tonight, and chances are Boston will need to be able to create in the halfcourt down the stretch. Celtics are healthy, Cavaliers are healthy, and this will be a great look at what a potential playoff game may look like. Sit back and enjoy.