Kendrick Perkins - Key To The Series

 
We can expect Rajon Rondo to have his way with Rafer Alston.  And I'd think Ray Allen can have his way with JJ Redick.  Paul Pierce guard the All-Ugly Team's Hedo Turkoglu, leaving Glen Davis on Rashard Lewis... which will be tough. 

But it will be do-able... if Kendrick Perkins can hold up his end of the bargain.  His end only happens to be single covering a human freight train, Dwight Howard.  If he can do it, the Celtics will very likely win this series.  If he can't, then we're in trouble, and Perk knows it.

"Defensive Player of the Year, 20 [-point], 15 [-rebound] guy," Celtics center Kendrick Perkins said. "I've just got my hands full. There's nothing else I can say. I've just got to bring it every night. I've just got to go out there.

"I can't put too much pressure on myself. I've just got to go out there and play team defense."

Perk's a big, strong guy too... so it's not like it's me trying to guard Howard.  But he's going to need good footwork to keep Howard away from the rim.  If you can get your feet into a good spot as Howard makes his move, you can stop his progress and make him take shots from 5 feet away.  You might even be able to draw a charge... although I don't want to take my chances on drawing charges.  Perkins isn't going to get the benefit of the doubt from referees (which is kind of his own fault.  That photo is evidence), so I don't want him trying to get cute.

So it's up to Perk to get the job done.  Because if he goes out early, then Scal would have to come in to guard Rashard Lewis and Baby would have to shift over to Dwight.  Baby's strong, but I'd still like to avoid that.

Herald:  Magic brace for KG return, Lee absence  |  Reserves go to work  |  No white flag in Green  |  C's-Magic playoff matchup  |  5 keys to the series  |  Globe:  Tough schedule for Boston Fans  |  Exhausted options  |  No Howard?  No problem  |  Five things to know about the Magic  |  Camerato:  C's and Magic road to the second round  |  Souza:  One last look at a worthy challenger  |  Tony Allen goes at it with Marc Spears  |  Orlando Sentinel:  Time for KG to suit up, or shut up  |  Eagle Tribune:  House delivers in the clutch