With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined until further notice, the Celtics' replacement interiors will have to take over against the Cavaliers. Because if Al Horford will be in Joe Mazzulla's starting five, Luke Kornett And Xavier Tillman should get more minutes than against the Heat.
By recovering Xavier Tillman at the trade deadline, the Celtics have two interior replacements with different profiles. Smaller, Xavier Tillman (2m03) is thus more mobile, and capable of “switching” on a lot of outside opponents. With his size, Luke Kornet (2m18), is above all a protector of the circle.
“Al will obviously start. We already have Al, who is always there for us. Now Luke and Xavier will probably get some playing time,” believes Kristaps Porzingis. “It's going to be good for me to be there, to try to help these guys, from what I see. We want to continue on the same path, regardless of who is on the floor. I expect these guys to step up and play at a high level. »
Joe Mazzulla's confidence
During the season, Joe Mazzulla had already highlighted Luke Kornet's ability to lead the team's defense. It is also for this intelligence of the game that he could have more minutes against Evan Mobley and the Cavaliers.
“He is one of the best in our defensive system. He has the ability to communicate matchups, change matchups and change his coverage… It's an underrated skill of Luke's and that's why we trust him defensively,” explained the Celtics coach.
Luke Kornet, for his part, rather emphasizes the confidence of his coach, who lets his team adapt defensively and above all increase the number of defensive covers. “I feel like it’s not just me”, he says. “He did that with our whole team, and it's funny because all season long we've been fluid about it all, and he let us know it's not going to happen the same way Everytime. You can't rely on just one defensive coverage. »
The Cavaliers will probably be without Jarrett Allen to start the series, the Cavs pivot still being injured in the ribs. Another advantage for the Celtics replacement interiors.
