Projected starters
Point guard
Jeff Teague, Hawks vs. Rajon Rondo
On offense Teague looks to drive and score while Rondo focuses on setting up teammates for easy shots. Both are ball-hawking defenders. Teague can make a big difference with his speed when he’s assertive, but that comes and goes. Not so with Rondo, who recorded one of his six triple-doubles this season against the Hawks.
Edge: Celtics
Shooting guard
Kirk Hinrich, Hawks vs. Avery Bradley
In his second season Bradley has earned a reputation as an ace defender. Boston’s run of great defense coincided with him joining the starting lineup. Bradley could draw Joe Johnson to defend. Hinrich’s experience and toughness are assets, but he struggled to find his rhythm after missing the first month following shoulder surgery.
Edge: Celtics
Small forward
Joe Johnson, Hawks vs. Paul Pierce
Johnson slid over from shooting guard after an injury to Marvin Williams. He had a very good season scoring, save for an injury-related slump, and was better on defense. Pierce is one of the premier go-to scorers in the NBA with a long resume of big shots under pressure in the postseason. He’s a tough defender, too.
Edge: Celtics
Power forward
Marvin Williams, Hawks vs. Brandon Bass
Williams has played well as a reserve, but with center Zaza Pachulia (ankle) out, he’s likely to start. He can defend and rebound and should get open shots with Johnson and Josh Smith drawing double teams. Bass is a good mid-range shooter, but might struggle with Williams’ quickness and rebounding.
Edge: Hawks
Center
Josh Smith, Hawks vs. Kevin Garnett
Injuries have forced both Smith and Garnett to move over to center. Smith should be able to use his quickness and athleticism to get good looks around the basket and rebound. Garnett has struggled to score against Smith, but is Boston’s emotional leader and a find defender.
Edge: Hawks
Bench
The Hawks are thin in the frontcourt without Pachulia and Al Horford (pectoral). Rookie forward Ivan Johnson is the most effective big man off the bench. Usually one of guards Jannero Pargo or Willie Green is making shots for the Hawks, if not both. Tracy McGrady is valuable for his rebounding and passing.
Boston guard Ray Allen is an all-time great shooter. Forward Mickael Pietrus still isn’t much of an offense threat, but joins with Marquis Daniels to give the Celtics a pair of good wing defenders. Keyon Dooling, like Pargo, is a score-first point guard and solid defender. Greg Stiemsma’s size, defense and rebounding could give the Hawks’ smallish frontline trouble.
Edge: Hawks
Coaches
Larry Drew, Hawks vs. Doc Rivers
Drew helped keep his team together in the face of a long list of injuries, mostly by coaxing consistent defensive efforts. However, the Hawks are still average on offense after two seasons running Drew’s motion-based offense. Rivers managed to find the right balance of pushing his veteran players and resting them. He had his team playing its best defense down the stretch.
Edge: Celtics
Intangibles
The Hawks have made strides in the postseason and feel like this is their year to break through. But they’ve never defeated a proven team such as Boston in the playoffs, plus their injuries may finally catch up to them. The Celtics are tough, experienced, proven and motivated to make one final championship run.
Edge: Celtics
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