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NBA Playoffs 2017: Who will the Celtics play in Conference Finals?

By Akash Anavarathan

Apr 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half at TD Garden. The Cavaliers defeated the Celtics 114-91. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half at TD Garden. The Cavaliers defeated the Celtics 114-91. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Now that the Boston Celtics have dismissed the Washington Wizards in seven games, they will head to the Conference Finals to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Boston Celtics have been going further each year in the playoffs the past few seasons under head coach Brad Stevens. Last season, the Celtics lost in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks. This season, they have advanced through the first two rounds, defeating the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards in the process.

The Celtics’ toughest so far awaits them in the Conference Finals: the well-rested Cleveland Cavaliers. Boston is the No. 1 overall seed and will have home-court advantage in this battle for a Finals’ spot, but they will be the heavy underdog in the series.

The story line in the Eastern Conference all season long has been if Boston can challenge Cleveland’s stronghold. Boston has had a magical season this far, behind it’s 5-foot-9 point guard, Isaiah Thomas. The Celtics finally have a shot at trying to take away the throne from the Cavaliers, but are facing a challenge that they’ve never seen before.

LeBron James and the Cavaliers are scorching hot coming into the Conference Finals, after sweeping through the first two rounds. On the other hand, Boston had to fight back against the Bulls in their opening series, winning four straight after Rajon Rondo’s injury. In the next round, the Wizards and Celtics had no love lost, with Boston closing them out in seven games.

During the regular season, the Celtics and Cavaliers played thrice, with the Cavaliers winning two of the games. The statement game for Cleveland came in early April at the TD Garden in Boston. It was a battle for the No. 1 seed and the Cavaliers were limping into this game. The Celtics were red-hot and looking to take control of the Eastern Conference. LeBron James and the Cavaliers came out to play from the opening tip and showed everyone who the top dog in the East was.

Boston won the only game of the season series, 103-99, after Deron Williams missed a potential game-winning shot in his debut with the Cavaliers. The Celtics will have their hands full with the Cavaliers, who are healthy and clicking at the right time of the season. Here’s the full series schedule below:

Game 1: Wednesday, May 17, 8:30 PM EST @ Boston

Game 2: Friday, May 19, 8:30 PM EST @ Boston

Game 3: Sunday, May 21, 8:30 PM EST @ Cleveland

Game 4: Tuesday, May 23, 8:30 PM EST @ Cleveland

Game 5*: Thursday, May 25, 8:30 PM EST @ Boston

Game 6*: Saturday, May 27, 8:30 PM EST @ Cleveland

Game 7*: Monday, May 29, 8:30 PM EST @ Boston

*If Necessary

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The Celtics and Cavaliers will be a captivating series, with Boston’s Isaiah Thomas going against the Big-3 in Cleveland. The prize at stake: a ticket to the NBA Finals.

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