The Boston Celtics entered the postseason with a strong lineup, featuring every rotation player from last year's championship squad. However, in Game 1 of their playoff series against the Orlando Magic, head coach Joe Mazzulla adopted a slightly different approach to the playoff rotation. Sticking to a nine-player rotation, Mazzulla introduced Luke Kornet as a new addition, helping the Celtics secure a decisive 103-86 victory.
Mazzulla maintained his usual starting five but experimented with various lineups throughout the first half to establish rhythm on both offense and defense. The starters showed some inconsistency offensively, and the bench struggled to contribute significantly until Payton Pritchard stepped up before halftime. The Magic's limited offensive threats, aside from standout player Paolo Banchero, allowed Mazzulla the flexibility to test different combinations.
In the first half, Mazzulla cycled through multiple lineup configurations. This included playing Kristaps Porzingis as a single big alongside the starters and employing double big lineups with combinations of Al Horford, Kornet, and Porzingis. Historically, the Celtics' double big lineups have outperformed single big setups during the regular season, but in Game 1, these larger groupings struggled to make an impact early on.
As the game progressed, the Celtics found their rhythm with Porzingis and Horford at center. The starting lineup, with Pritchard replacing Derrick White, exploded for a 28-10 run in the third quarter, turning the tide of the game in favor of Boston. Notably, the Magic opted to utilize only one true big man, Wendell Carter Jr., which made the effectiveness of Boston's double big strategy all the more intriguing, particularly given the struggles they faced in the first half.
While Boston's double big lineups are designed for better rim protection, they initially faced difficulties against Orlando's quickness on the perimeter and struggled with defensive rebounding. Mazzulla adeptly navigated the situation by limiting the use of double bigs in the second half, relying heavily on Horford at center during the fourth quarter while managing Porzingis' minutes (26) effectively. This approach allowed the Celtics to maintain a balanced rotation and lighten the load on Jaylen Brown, who played for 31 minutes.
With a fully healthy roster in this postseason, Mazzulla possesses the flexibility to adapt his strategy based on game dynamics. His ability to make thoughtful adjustments in Game 1, despite a subpar shooting performance from his star players and a remarkable outing from Banchero, demonstrates his preparedness for the challenges ahead. As the Celtics progress through the playoffs, the formula for success may evolve, but Mazzulla seems ready to optimize his team's performance each night.
For those interested in betting, the Celtics are currently favored at -140 to win the Eastern Conference according to BetMGM. To enhance your betting experience, check out our comprehensive list of Massachusetts sportsbook promotions to find the ideal platform for your wagers.
