Celtics Uphold Prediction, Win 5 of 7 in Time for Home Stretch

After winning five of seven as predicted (last post) the Celtics preapre for an onslaught of Western Conference opponents. The Celtics have to play Cleveland twice more before seasons end and on top of that must play against five of the top playoff teams in the West. The second seed Dallas Mavericks (won 13 in a row), the forty four win, thrid seed, Denver Nuggets, fourth seeded Jazz, fifth ranked Thunder, and the seventh placed Spurs all play Boston. The Celtics took care of business against the Pacers tonight posting a double digit win at home. Take care of business, beating the teams you should beat was what the C's have acomplished thus far in March. Winning five of seven and reassarting yourself on the homecourt was a step in the right direction.

If the Celtics can somehow come away with some wins during this upcoming stretch they have a chance at the three seed. With a favorable schedule against lower seeded and bad Eastern Conference teams, the Celtics have a great chance to intergrate new players (Finley & Robinson), build team chemisty, and elevate their play riding into the postseason. On paper this team is brimming with talent, but without that team Chemistry it seems the C's cannot win at home or be consistent on either side of the ball.

All sesaon it has been injuires and waiting for players to come back. Only to find that when KG and Marques Daniels finnally do come back, Paul Pierce misses time. With Tony Allen as the only current injury, the Celtics are essentially at full strength and should be able to capture the third seed in the East. Most likely too late to catch Orlando and with minimal chance of overtaking the Cavs Boston should make the three spot their priority. They are currently tied with Atlanta for the three slot. 

The argument that this team is too old is just one people make because its easy to say. Yes KG and Pierce have slowed down with age and injury, but the problem has been a serious lack of team chemistry and continuity with new players and those who have missed games. The 2007 championship Celtics had profound team chemistry that propelled them to sixty six wins and an NBA Title. 

Next Patriot Feature Back

The Patriots two major concerns this offseason are upgrading the pass rush on defense and getting better on offense. Getting better on offense to most people means finding that third receiver option for Brady after Moss and Welker (out for at least the majority of next season). What the Patriots really need is a 1,000 yard rusher, 10 touchdowns a season type of running back. A feature back and strong defense was the Patriot way of old that led to such great success. Since then we have been left with a stable of good, but not great running backs. With a dangerous running game the Patriots would be a force on offense particularly with Brady returning healthy and ready (after a full season). Brady doesn't need great receivers he just needs to be smart and great like he normally is. Moss is going to put up his annual 1,000  yard, ten touchdown effort, as Sam Aiken, (returning Patriot standout) David Patten, Ben Watson, and Julian Edelmen will catch the rest of Brady's passes (until Welker's return). The passing game is going to be fine, but combining that attack with a ground game and a better defense is crucial.

The Patriots need to acquire Thomas Jones from the free agent pool. Jones was recently let go from the New York Jets after posting 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. Since Corey Dillon the patriots have been searching for their feature back and have gone to a stable of backs instead. The group of versatile running backs on the team have been effective, but not dominant and that is what Thomas Jones would be. A physical, tough, strong, and determined half back; Jones would be perfect for the Patriots and they should seriously consider signing him.

Imagine teams trying to cover Randy Moss in the passing game and Thomas Jones in the running game; not to mention Kevin Faulk, Edelmen, and eventually Welker on screen passes. The discussion is not why Thomas Jones would be great, but what running backs in your stable do you let go? You can't keep Taylor, Maroney, Morris, Faulk, and Green-Ellis on your football team if your going to add a new RB. Figure it out somehow because this team needs Thomas Jones. Give Tom Brady a feature back and a good defense behind him and you've got a complete football team.

7-5 End to February, Need 5 of 7 to Start March

Several posts on this blog were focusing on this idea of Marquis Daniels and KG being back healthy would equal strong a Celtic February. Also the idea that by the end of the month the team would be playing great basketball. KG and Daniels have been back playing nighty, but the Celtics have lost two in a row to close out a 7-5 finish in Feburary's last twelve games. An impressive 3-1 road trip on the west coast made it seem like the C's were coming together right on cue. KG is back playing well, but now Pierce is sidelined with injury; when will thsi team ever get the chance to play at full strength? So now comes the part where we say "when Pierce gets back this team will win" however, who is to say what other player will be injured by then? The wins will come back if the Big three can stay healthy at the same time to play along side the ever improving Rondo. Along with the continued intergration of Rasheed Wallace, Marquis Daniels, and new comer Nate Robinson the Celtics will be ready for their third straight playoff appearance.

March and April will be the telling months for this long injury plauged season for the Boston Celtics. They are still the fourth seed in the East as they closely trail Atlanta for the third spot. A six game in division lead isn't exactly stellar either; as you think of the Atlantic division championship a given (in recent years). With the way that Rondo and Ray Allen have been playing the Celtics just need to hold on for their other players to come around. Pierce will be back and KG and Marquis are playing well, but this team needs a lift from the likes of Wallace, Davis, Tony Allen and Robinson to regain form.

The Boston Celtics have a favorable next seven games coming up before a showdown with the Cavs in Cleveland. Expect them to grab at least five wins during this steretch as they may struggle with Memphis or Washington's energy and youth. Boston desperately needs this five out of seven performance because two games after the Cavaliers match up, a brutal road trip begins with games against Houston, Dallas, Utah and then Denver. Then pits the Celtics against the Spurs and Thunder to close out the month of March in the NBA.

Pass Rush Needed in New England

The Patriots first offseason priority should be acquiring a defensive player who can provide some real pass rushing threat. Last season Tully Banta-Cain was the Patriots sack leader with over nine on the year, but the team failed consistently to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The New England secondary fell under criticism for allowing so many points to be scored on them throughout the season. However, with an effective pass rush the defensive result may have been different. Despite being an inconsistent unit there were positives on the defensive side of the ball. With Leigh Booden and Brandon Merriweather  recording five interceptions, Jerod Mayo's hundred plus tackles, and Derrick Burgess and Mike Wright's five sacks each (in limited playing time) were positive signs. That being said, this team was ousted from the playoffs in the first round and the defense was exposed throughout the season. 

The Patriots need to rush the passer on a consistent basis to truly contend for a Super Bowl once again, and must weigh the following options. Julius Peppers is the big name in the free agent class for a pure pass rusher and New England would be remiss to avoid trying to get this player. Along with a pursuit of Peppers Bellichick needs to have success in next month's draft. Enter last season's controversial trade of Richard Seymour to the Oakland Raiders. He was exchanged for what is now the 22nd overall selection in April's draft. With a top draft choice and a chance to sign Peppers Bellichick should be able to address the pass rush woes. Bring back Banta-Cain, draft a pass rusher in the first round, and make an offseason splash in attaining Julius Peppers.