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It took an extra few days, but the second round of the NBA Playoffs is set for the Celtics. They will face the No. 4-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in a matchup that's happened plenty in recent memory. The Cavaliers defeated the Magic on Sunday in Game 7 to secure the 4-3 series victory. It initially looked like the Cavs' season was on the edge as they were down by 18 points at home against the Magic. But they put together a massive run to eliminate the Magic and advance to the East semifinals. Now, the stage is once again set for Celtics vs. Cavaliers, though it's been six years since the two teams have met in the playoffs. Game 1 of the series is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday at TD Garden. Here's a look at the full second-round schedule. Here are four quick things to know heading into the second-round series:
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Injury status: The Cavaliers have been banged up, much like other teams in the playoffs. Notably, big man Jarrett Allen suffered a rib contusion in Game 4, which forced him to miss the final three games of the series. Allen looked like he was going to try to play, but he wasn't able to make his return. Also, Dean Wade hasn't played in a game since early March as he missed the entire first-round series because of a knee injury. How the rib contusion affects Allen will be an important factor going forward. The Celtics will likely be without big man Kristaps Porzingis for the entirety of the second round. While the C's have the depth to make up for Porzingis' absence, Allen missing the start of the series would ease some of the burden off Boston. Personnel check: The Cavaliers have taken steps toward competitiveness in the past two years, though they fell to the Knicks in the first round last season. But they were able to overcome a young Magic squad, making it past the first round for the first time since 2018. They've developed and drafted some key contributors over the years like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. But the name to keep an eye on is naturally Donovan Mitchell, who's in his second season with the team. Mitchell had a massive last season, averaging 28.3 points per game on his way to second-team All-NBA honors. He had another solid year, putting up 26.6 points and 5.1 rebounds, though he only played 55 games as injuries slowed him down. Allen is also a talented big man who's made an All-Star team. The Cavs finished 16th in offensive rating during the regular season, so they were a middling squad there. But they were seventh in defensive rating as guys like Mobley and Allen were a huge part of the equation. Elsewhere, expect contributions from Caris LeVert and former Heat guard Max Strus, both of whom average double-figure scoring numbers. The Cavs also have a pair of former Celtics players in big man Tristan Thompson and forward Marcus Morris. Choosing their path: Heading into the final day of the regular season, the Cavaliers still had a chance to secure a higher seed. But instead, they rested their guys as they fell to the Hornets to secure a 48-34 record and the No. 4 seed in the playoffs. They likely didn't make the decision based on playing the C's in the second round, instead setting up their first-round matchup against the Magic. But now they'll have to face the best team in the NBA after choosing to get the No. 4 seed in the playoffs. The Celtics won the season series 2-1 over the Cavaliers. Cleveland did have a massive 106-105 win without Mitchell the last time these teams met as Wade went off in the fourth quarter to wipe away a huge deficit. Regardless, the C's will likely be heavy favorites to advance to the East Finals for the third straight season. Different look: There's plenty of playoff history when it comes to Celtics vs. Cavaliers in the last roughly 15 years. But there's a massive difference this season: No LeBron James. When the teams faced each other in 2008, 2010, 2015, 2017 and 2018 — Cavs hold the 3-2 edge — James was a huge factor. Early on, the Celtics were a thorn in James' side as Boston went on to win it all in 2008. But James got the better of the C's in the last three playoff matchups, including a seven-game series win in 2018. James, of course, is on the Lakers now and won't be a factor starting Tuesday. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
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