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4 X-Factors for the Boston Celtics in the Playoffs

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Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porziņģis are X-Factors for the Celtics.

The NBA playoffs are set to tip off on Saturday, with the Boston Celtics‘ first game being on Sunday. The Celtics are eyeing to repeat as champions and defend their title. With Boston’s incredible talent, two-way balance, and playoff experience, they are well-positioned to do so. Nevertheless, every team has X-Factors that will impact their playoff upside. Let’s dive into the Celtics’ four main X-Factors this playoffs.

4 X-Factors for the Boston Celtics in the Playoffs

Jaylen Brown

Ordinarily, Jaylen Brown wouldn’t find himself on this list; the 2024 Finals MVP is a proven elite playoff performer. However, Brown is currently dealing with a knee injury and didn’t look 100% to close out the regular season. Brown averaged 17.6 points in the final seven games of the season, well below his season average of 22.2. He noticeably lacked an elite quick first step that is a staple to his game. The latest reports are that Brown received injections for his knee. While this is common, it’s certainly worth noting and fairly concerning.

Brown’s two-way play and ability to be a consistent second-scoring option will be vital to the Celtics. Jayson Tatum is guarded by the opposing team’s best player and receives a ton of pressure, which opens the game up for Brown. This was the case last year when Brown took on more of the scoring burden. However, with Brown injured it’s unclear if he’ll be able to take on as many offensive responsibilities.

Kristaps Porziņģis

Unfortunately, throughout Kristaps Porziņģis‘ career, health has been an area of concern. Last season, Porziņģis played in just seven playoff games due to a calf and leg injury. His leg injury also caused him to miss the first 17 games of the season. Overall, Porziņģis only appeared in 42 games this season. While the Celtics were able to win a title largely without Porziņģis last season, the East got better and his presence will be more vital this year.

Porziņģis is especially important when matching up with the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ double-big lineups. In a possible Finals matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Porziņģis would be key for the same reason. While against a team like the Los Angeles Lakers, he could help overwhelm them due to their lack of a traditional center. The Celtics have used more double-big lineups this season. Notably, Porziņģis and Al Horford have a +10 net rating. Since Porziņģis’ health is a concern, Horford and Luke Kornet will also be key contributors.

Porziņģis’ elite rim protection has helped the Celtics as they have the second-best paint defense since he returned. Offensively, Porziņģis’ interior scoring and three-point shooting are valuable, depending on Brown’s health, he may provide the Celtics with second-option-level production. Ultimately, Porziņģis’ interior presence on both ends of the court and his ability to space the floor make Boston a more complete team but he needs to stay healthy for the team to reach their full ceiling.

Payton Pritchard

Payton Pritchard has been crucial for the Celtics off the bench this season. He is the frontrunner for the Sixth Man of the Year award, averaging 14.3 points and shooting 40.7 percent from three. However, Pritchard has struggled against all the top-tier contenders, posting averages of 8.8 points while shooting 33.8 percent from the field and 31.3 from three in games against the Cavs, Thunder, and Lakers. Moreover, Pritchard’s averages have declined in the playoffs each year, and he’s constantly targeted defensively.

In the first two series, Pritchard will likely provide solid production. However, it’s unclear if this can continue in the later rounds. Not having one of their most consistent regular-season scoring threats could be problematic for the Celtics, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding Brown and Porziņģis’ health. Overall, if Pritchard can step up and break his trend of poor play against elite teams, it would be massive for the Celtics’ title chances.

Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday is a trusted veteran and playoff performer. However, his contributions might be even more important with the injury concerns to Brown and Porziņģis. The Celtics can always count on Holiday for elite defense but his scoring could be a difference-maker in the playoffs. Last year in the playoffs, Holiday bumped up his scoring average to 13.2 points and made numerous clutch plays. Over the past two years, when Holiday scores 14-plus points, the Celtics have an incredible 54-3 record, including a perfect 9-0 in the playoffs.

Holiday has scored 14 or more points in four of his last seven games, and the Celtics are 4-0 in these games. When Holiday is aggressive, the Celtics are unstoppable. A consistently aggressive Holiday in the playoffs would boost the Celtics’ chance to repeat as champions. With Brown’s injury, Holiday will also have more defensive responsibilities. Ultimately, Holiday’s two-way impact will be essential for the Celtics to make a deep playoff run.

 

Photo credit: © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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