Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
“They’ll be all right,” said Perkins. “I don’t think they’re caring about where they place in the seeding. I think they’ll get in the playoffs and do what they’ve got to do. I know a few of them are waiting for the regular season to be over so they can get into the playoffs. They’ll make it.”
If Perkins is right, then that’s a dangerous mentality — to believe everything will be fine once the playoffs start. A similar thought process by the C’s preceded their elimination last season by Miami in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Herald - Rest is best for many Celtics woes
Oh no, not the flip-the-switch mentality. As much as some of us (me) hate the idea of coasting in the regular season, we must accept it happens. Sometimes it works (2010) and sometimes it doesn't (2011).
The key to consistent play is having a consistent rotation:
But things have been far from optimal. Each of the Big Three has missed games, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen because of injuries, Kevin Garnett for personal reasons. And Rajon Rondo has missed 10 games, eight with a sprained right wrist and two with a suspension.
Of the 32 games the Celtics played before the All-Star break, the Big Four started only 16. Coach Doc Rivers is banking that the quartet will remain healthy and well-behaved for the final 34 games.
The Celtics may be healthier in the 2nd half of the season but that won't necessarily translate into more wins. The schedule is road heavy and brutal.
Best case scenario - the Celtics sneak up to the 6th seed and secure an easier 1st round playoff opponent (i.e. not Miami or Chicago).
Worst case scenario - the Celtics stay in the 8th spot. They won't fall behind Cleveland or Milwaukee.
On Page 2, Bob Ryan eviscerates Bill Simmons.
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