Cavaliers vs. Celtics: 3 things you need to know

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics have plenty of history in the postseason. The Celtics knocked the Cavaliers out in both 2008 and 2010 en route to two Finals appearances.

But while the Cavaliers still feature LeBron James as their centerpiece, this Celtics team is nothing like the "Big Four" teams of yore.

The two teams split the season series 2-2, but it's tough to read into regular-season numbers. Most recently, the Cavaliers rested four starters against the Celtics (which effectively paved their way into the postseason) and both teams have been dramatically reshaped by mid-season trades.

Here's three things you need to know before tipoff on Sunday.

Can the Celtics protect the paint?

Aside from playing for the Celtics' frontcourt, what do Kelly Olynyk, Jared Sullinger, Brandon Bass and Tyler Zeller have in common? They all average less than a block per game. Not surprisingly, the Celtics rank dead-last among playoff teams' opponent field-goal percentage at the rim.

Meanwhile, Cleveland boasts two of the best drivers in the league between Kyrie Irving and James. Both players finished in the top-four for points per game off drives this season (minimum: 30 games) and if left unchecked, could wreak havoc on Boston's interior defenders.

The onus therefore falls upon the Celtics' perimeter defenders to limit dribble penetration. It won't be easy, but the Celtics at least have the personnel, in theory, to defend the perimeter. Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley love to hound ball handlers and Jae Crowder has the size and build to stay with James.

Battle at the point

Since being dealt to Boston at the trade deadline, Isaiah Thomas galvanized a suddenly dangerous offense. Thomas has posted averages of 19 points and 5.4 assists in Boston and the Celtics have the eighth-highest scoring average since Thomas returned from a back injury in late-March. Thomas is one of the quickest guards in the league and should be able to capitalize on Irving's sub-par (although improved) defense. 

However, Thomas is also a poor defender thanks to his diminutive size, so Irving should be able to get free if checked by Thomas. Therefore, look for a lot of cross-matching defensively, with Smart or Bradley on Irving, while Thomas hides against a spot-up threat.

Kevin Love's defense

None of the Celtics' bigs qualify as potent scorers, but they do love to stretch the floor with shooting. Olynyk, Bass and Sullinger are all decent perimeter shooters who feast on pick-and-pop type action. 

That might be tricky for Kevin Love, as his mobility has rendered him a defensive liability this season. Cavaliers head coach David Blatt has frequently opted for a quicker, rangier big in Tristan Thompson in crunch time over Love and the trend might emerge once again in the postseason.

The key for Love will be to hold down the defensive glass and make the right closeouts against Boston's shooters. That way, the Cavaliers can afford to keep Love on the floor for all the positives he brings on offense.

Starting Lineups

Series Outlook