This season's playoffs have been full of suspense since the first round, and it is normal to have a cold promotion. One of the most interesting group showdowns is the Celtics vs. Nets. Both Finals-level teams have actively chosen each other, and neither side has escaped from each other. In the closing stages of the regular season, the Celtics have the option to avoid the Nets and fall to third in the East, and the Nets can also choose their own playoff rankings. Neither side has escaped, which shows that they are full of confidence in their own strength.
According to the famous journalist Shams, most sources revealed that Nets forward Ben Simmons plans to make a comeback in the series against the Celtics to usher in the debut of his Nets career. On the other hand, ESPN reporters reported: "Celtics forward Robert Williams has met the recovery criteria, and by the time of game six in the playoffs, a month has passed since Lowe underwent meniscus surgery, he may make a comeback in the second half of the first round of the playoffs." Both Simmons and Robert Williams are vital players in both teams and are also at the heart of their defence. The return of the two major injured soldiers in the second half of the series has added a lot of attention to this round of duels, and there is no doubt that both teams are ready for a protracted battle.
However, Robert Williams is clearly more important than Simmons. Simmons hasn't played in any game for the Nets so far, and his importance can only be on paper, but Lowe is different, his ability is proven in real combat. The Celtics were able to complete the counterattack in the second half of the season thanks to the construction of the defensive system, and the Celtics' defensive core happens to be the 24-year-old third-year interior. The Celtics' defensive strategy is very aggressive, and their defenders and flanks can expand their defense without fear, thanks to Lowe's defensive deterrent. Lowe has averaged 2.2 blocks and 3.9 rebounds per game this season, a help that Theis and Horford are far from available. Rowe is already a solid DPOY player, with a 6.4 percent drop in shooting against Rowe's defense this season, the highest of any defensive player. After Lowe was injured, the Celtics suffered two consecutive defeats, which shows the importance of Lowe.
After Lowe returns from injury, the Celtics will rediscover a starting lineup of five defensive elites. Smart, Jaylen Brown, Tatum, Horford and Lowe are all top defenders in the same position, and balanced defensive ability is the foundation of their team. However, for the Nets with Durant and Irving, the Celtics' top-level individual ability will be weakened. Whether it is Durant or Irving, they both have the ability to make indiscriminate singles, and the Green Army can not help their single point blasting ability. If the Celtics assign Tatum to defend Durant personally, it will inevitably sacrifice his physical strength on the offensive end, and the Celtics, who are highly dependent on Tatum in attack, may not make this decision unless they have to.
For Tatum, Durant is the player he must face on the way to the championship, which may be the main reason why the Green Army is reluctant to avoid the Nets. The Celtics, who have been playing in the playoffs for many years, do not lack playoff experience, and if they aim to win the championship, then Tatum must personally beat Durant, rather than choose to escape. However, if you consider the difficulty of winning the championship, the choice between the Celtics and the Nets is really not smart enough. The winner between Celtic and the Nets will directly challenge the defending champion Bucks, and two consecutive high-intensity series rounds will be a huge drain on any team. The Bucks' first-round opponents were the Bulls, which was very easy for them, and it wasn't difficult to win the series 4-0.
Simmons is still in a state that has not yet been polished, and the Nets rushed to make him appear in the playoffs, which may not have the desired effect. So, the significance of Simmons' return is more in the second half of the playoffs than in the first round. If Nash insists on putting Curry Jr. on the starting lineup, the Nets' defensive flaws may be targeted by the old Celtics.