LATE MAIL: NBA

Dallas have been kind to us these playoffs, particularly in the last series against Minnesota. They have managed to navigate a tough Western Conference and their two pronged attack of Kyrie & Luka has rightly been talked about as among the greatest offensive back courts in league history. Their ability to create shots not only for themselves & each other but also their team mates makes scheming against them very difficult and Boston will have some questions to answer early in the series. The Celtics heavily favour a one on one defensive system where they don’t get themselves tangled in rotations as often as other teams & rely on the strength of their perimeter defenders to contain penetration while being able to stay at home on 3 point shooters. This will be challenged now with Porzingis back in the lineup as he’s far less capable as a switch defender than Al Horford even at his advanced age. Luka in particular has demonstrated time & again he’s a nightmare to handle 1 on 1 with his combination of size, strength & incredible skill. He’s coming in to his own as a player that’s contributing on both ends of the floor now, and has found a great complimentary piece capable of carrying the offence for stretch in Kyrie. As we have all playoffs, we think the Mavericks are under valued here. The Celtics certainly will pose challenges for them & are easily the most well rounded side they have faced all post season, but Dallas have been competing against higher level opposition than the Celtics have over the last month, and particularly early in the series, this could catch the Celtics out as Porzingis works his way into game shape.