Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics First Round Series Preview and Matchup Breakdown

Coach: David Blatt vs. Brad Stevens

Each is making his inaugural visit to the playoffs, so neither coach has the edge in this department. Blatt has dealt with important international contests in his long coaching career, while Stevens took Butler University to two consecutive national championship games. In the first of those contests, the Bulldogs came within a miracle shot of winning the NCAA title.

Blatt came into the job last year, and within two months was able to add James and Love to the starting lineup. However, a bumpy 19-20 start had some questioning his job status, something that quickly disappeared when the team caught fire. That scorching baptism under fire, as well as his past experience in events like the Olympics, should alleviate any pressure he might be feeling.

Stevens was able to improve the Celtics’ record by 15 games this year, and the midseason shakeup that Boston underwent has them on the right track. In all the wheeling and dealing done by Celtics’ general manager Danny Ainge, the team has five first round picks in the next few years.

EDGE: Tie

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