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NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 keys to Wizards vs. Celtics matchup

By Chazz Scogna

Jan 11, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal (3) is guarded by Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during the fourth quarter at TD Garden. The Boston Celtics won 117-108. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal (3) is guarded by Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during the fourth quarter at TD Garden. The Boston Celtics won 117-108. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Celtics forward Gerald Green (30) reacts after a basket against the Chicago Bulls during the first half in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Celtics flexibility in their lineups

The Celtics flexibility extends beyond their ability to rotate nine or 10 guys. Versatility among rosters matters.

Prior to Game 3 against the Bulls, Celtics coach Brad Stevens shook up the starting lineup, inserting Gerald Green over Amir Johnson. The move added more outside scoring and athleticism and shifted Al Horford to the five.

The lineup torched the Bulls over the rest of the series, scoring 125.6 points per 100 possessions, while only giving up 98.1 points defensively, good for a 27.5 net rating. The caveats to the Green starting five: It was only over 57 minutes, it wasn’t made until after Rondo was injured — so we don’t know how it’ll do against a lineup with a great point guard — and the lineup matches up differently against the Wizards.

Nikola Mirotic, the stretch-4 starter for the Bulls, floated around the perimeter with 72 percent of his field goals attempts coming off catch and shoot and 38 of his attempts came from at least 20 feet. He won’t punish the Celtics down low like Markieff Morris — who lives inside 19 feet — will. Fortunately for the Celtics, Crowder has been a plus defender within 10 feet of the basket during the regular season.

Even if Morris does play well against, the Celtics’ flexibility with their lineups in relation to the rigidity of the Wizards will allow the C’s to play Amir Johnson more minutes, sliding Horford back to power forward. If he remains as aggressive as he was against the Bulls, Horford’s size will be too much for Morris and could cause match-up issues for a Wizards lineup that doesn’t have many options in the frontcourt.

As for Thomas, since Game 1 against Chicago, he’s been ice cold from 3, shooting only 20 percent in the postseason. If the Celtics continue to go to the extremes to hide him on defense, the cross match-up could open him up for more fast breaks and open looks. Either way, the Celtics needs Thomas’ scoring and is there any doubt it’s coming?

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