J.R. Smith: Celtics don't 'really pose a big threat to us'

Prepare the fireworks.

J.R. Smith came with the trash talk Monday, a day before his Cleveland Cavaliers host the Boston Celtics in the NBA's season opener. Although many believe the Celtics are right there with the Cavs as one of the two best teams in the Eastern Conference, Smith isn't concerned after Boston's busy offseason.

"I don't think they really pose a big threat to us," Smith told reporters, according to WKYC's Ben Axelrod.

Added bad blood between the teams comes from the fact that Kyrie Irving now plies his trade at the point for the Celtics. Tuesday's opener, however, will be missing some instrumental components. The key player Irving was traded for, Isaiah Thomas, remains out indefinitely, and even LeBron James' status is not certain yet.