ESPN

Teaming up with our friends at CelticsHub for our occasional game of 5-on-5. Here's a sample:

The Celtics offense continues to linger amongst the bottom-third of the league in efficiency. Given the additional talent added to the roster this year, what needs to be done to make the offense more reliable?

Chris Forsberg: With Boston’s defense consistently generating more stops since the return of Avery Bradley, it’s a little bit surprising to see the Celtics’ transition numbers still lagging behind. Boston simply isn’t taking full advantage of opportunities off of stops, particularly with an inability to get to the free throw line for easy points. The Celtics need to be more aggressive going at the hoop in transition — and getting more production beyond the the 3-point stripe from anyone not named Pierce wouldn’t hurt the offense either.

Greg Payne: The Celtics need to do a better job of balancing the production between their starters and their reserves. They need to get consistent double-digit scoring outings from the likes of Jason Terry and Jeff Green to help diminish some of the pressure on Rajon Rondo and co. Additionally, the Celtics play at a below league average pace, and speeding things up a bit given the athleticism they boast shouldn’t be difficult and should aid their offensive production.

Brian Robb: Getting both the starters and second unit playing well during the same game would be a start. We saw glimpses of it during the Knicks game Monday night but it hasn’t seemed to come together much this year. I think the key remains though with finding consistency within the offensive “role” players. These are the guys that need to be counted on for 8-12 points per game, when given the ample minutes. Jason Terry, Brandon Bass, Courtney Lee, and Jeff Green all fall into this category. With the defense improving now, it should allow for easier opportunities for this team and these players on the offensive end.

Ryan DeGama: If Jason Terry, Courtney Lee and Jeff Green can find any level of consistency that should help the C’s overall efficiency, but this is not a team with much firepower and one that is regularly lured into shooting the same long twos with which they bait their opponents. After three years of weak offense, I’d argue a personnel change is necessary to juice the offense. The C’s need a prime-of-life wing scorer or a young post presence to really change the equation. But as long as they continue to make their runs with defense, that’s probably not in the cards.

Brendan Jackson: The Celtics offensive efficiency was an unfortunate casualty of their early season inconsistencies. The team lacked both offensive and defensive identities which led to Doc Rivers mixing and matching lineups, changing rotations, and completely shifting his approach. The C’s initally tried to go small, alternating the role of Avery Bradley’s stand-in between Jason Terry and Courtney Lee. When that proved ineffective, Rivers inserted Jason Collins into the starting lineup and moved Kevin Garnett back to the power forward position. This proved disasterous. When Bradley returned, so did the Celtics consistency in approach, identity, and lineup. The efficiency numbers now just need to catch up.

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ESPN Boston's Chris Forsberg joins Israel Gutierrez and three friends from the Heat Index (Tom Haberstroh, Michael Wallace and Brian Windhorst) for a game of 5-on-5 to preview Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals. A sample:

What's your read on the Celtics going into Game 7?

* Forsberg: This is a confident group that's been in this position before (4-2 in Game 7s during the Big Three era). Boston knows it can win in Miami and knows it can bounce back from tough losses. The theme this season has been overcoming adversity, and the Celtics are hoping this is just another late chapter and not the one that closes the book on a gritty 2011-12 season.

* Gutierrez: That they're still perfectly capable of a vintage performance in Game 7. Nothing about the Celtics has been predictable this postseason, so to assume their only chance to close out the Heat was in Game 6 would be unfair.

* Haberstroh: They might need to find the fountain of youth along the eastern seaboard. Or they just need to hit 3-point shots. Either one, and they'll be right back in it in Game 7. They can't shoot 1-for-14 from deep again.

* Wallace: That they are at the end of their rope but still have enough pride and experience to put up one more fight. It's not like it was two years ago that they won a big playoff game in Miami. It was just a few nights ago.

* Windhorst: They won't be rattled; they've played a bunch of Game 7s together. They were disappointed that they allowed themselves to get out of rhythm in Game 6 after LeBron's hot start. So I expect them to go back to their basics. Pound the ball into Kevin Garnett, run Ray Allen around screens and get Rajon Rondo in the open court. Plus fight LeBron for position more, even if it means whistles.

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Playing a game of 5-on-5 with Justin Verrier, Zack Harper and two our friends from the Heat Index (Tom Haberstroh and Michael Wallace) to preview Game 5 of the all-tied-up Eastern Conference finals. A sample:

Fact or Fiction: Rondo is the most important player in this series.

 
Forsberg: Fiction. He's really, really important, but Garnett is more important. When KG is on the floor in the playoffs, the Celtics are plus-164. When he's off, Boston is minus-116. It's impossible to ignore how important Garnett is defensively for Boston, and Miami tends to score at will when he's not out there. Rondo fuels the Boston offense, but if Boston is a defense-first team, the key cog is Garnett.

Haberstroh: Fiction. As marvelous as Rondo has been in this series, the Celtics don't stop James and Wade without Garnett. Don't believe me? Check that scoreboard again: The Celtics are plus-164 with Garnett on the floor and minus-116 with him on the bench. That screams importance.

Harper: Fiction. I still think it's Wade. If he can figure out how to not crowd LeBron and everything that's happening inside, the Heat can take the next two games. LeBron is the driving force of the team but he needs Wade going nova in stretches to make it all work. We know Rondo is going to be really good the rest of the series, but we don't know if Wade will show.

Verrier: Fiction. Rondo has the rare ability to captivate an audience like few other players, a true feat given that he's sharing the court with the world's best athlete. But for his team, the answer is Garnett, whose plus-34 the past two games doesn't truly emphasize the difference he's made. And for the series, the answer is a familiar one: James, who, despite having 3/4 of a big two by his side, is averaging 32.3 points (52 percent shooting), 9.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.8 blocks per game this series. Who else in the world could provide that?

Wallace: Fiction. LeBron is of equal importance in the grand scheme of things. Miami absorbed a historic game from Rondo in Game 2 and still managed to squeeze out an overtime victory. LeBron put up solid numbers against the Celtics, particularly in Game 3, and it wasn't enough. Both players have a remarkable ability to get their teammates involved. LeBron is the better overall player. But from an importance standpoint, it's a wash.

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Before the Boston Celtics host the Miami Heat in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on Friday night at TD Garden, we get together with some colleagues for a game of 5-on-5 to preview the matchup. A look at Question 5, our predictions for Game 3:

Fact or Fiction: The C's will take Game 3.

 
Chris Forsberg: Fact. The notion that Boston will struggle to get past a heartbreaking Game 2 loss is laughable. The Celtics have no other choice. They are fighting for their season and being back at TD Garden should help them steal Game 3. Miami still wins this series (maybe as quick as five games), but Boston makes things interesting for the weekend.

Tom Haberstroh: Fact. And that's all they'll get in this series, I'm afraid. The Celtics are 6-1 at home and 2-6 on the road thus far in the playoffs so I expect them to steal a game at TD Garden on some hot shooting alone. Unless Rondo's a superhero who doesn't suffer from fatigue, the C's can't expect an encore from him in Game 3. It's Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett's turn to lead the way.

Justin Verrier: Fact. It's hard to imagine the Celtics, in their current nicked-up state, playing any better than they did in Game 2. But I'm still waiting for Boston to muster some semblance of the defensive force they were with Avery Bradley zipping around and pestering ball-handlers. Their first shot at the Heat at home, where they played much better in the regular season, may effectively be the C's last chance to do it.

Michael Wallace: Fiction. This is more of a probability answer for me. If you get 44 points from Rondo, decent production from Pierce, a relentless effort from Garnett and a clutch 3-pointer late in the game from Allen and still don't come away with a victory, what else can you really do? If Boston really wants to make this a series, we'll find out tonight. But Miami's got the Celtics' number.

Brian Windhorst: Fact. They're at home, they're still confident, they'll get some calls they didn't get in Miami.

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MIAMI -- The Boston Celtics will be looking to pull even with the Miami Heat during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday night (8:30 p.m., ESPN) at AmericanAirlines Arena. To preview the matchup, we played a game of 5-on-5. Here's a sample:

What's the big takeaway from all the "Hit the deck" talk?

 
Chris Forsberg: The Celtics pretty much admitted they were a little bit (Larry Bird voice) S-O-F-T in Game 1. While Rajon Rondo said he didn't mean Boston would get chippy, it'll be interesting to see how things escalate when the Celtics give a hard foul on James or Wade early in Game 2. One thing is clear: Boston can't allow 19 layups like in Game 1.

Tom Haberstroh: It's sad that it's come to this. This is a Boston club that prides itself on sharp defensive precision, and now it's resorting to childish threats of pseudo-violence. Play better defense and you wouldn't have to worry about having to give hard fouls. Did we learn nothing from the Pacers series? David West tried to hack LeBron James and the Indiana power forward bounced off LeBron like a rubber ball. Players have tried sending a message through physicality and most have failed.

Justin Verrier: That it would be far more interesting if Rondo was inviting the Heat to smoothies on the porch of his summer share? It's nice that the C's are aware of their problems defending the paint, but Danny Granger pretty much exhausted all intrigue in tough talk involving Miami.

Michael Wallace: Absolutely nothing. Tough talk and bully tactics didn't necessarily work against the Heat last series. Ask the Indiana Pacers how that turned out. Plus, it's not as if the Celtics can afford the foul trouble, considering how much they're counting on Rondo, Allen, Pierce and Garnett. Their rotation doesn't go deep enough to compensate for the spare fouls it would really require to send a physical message to the Heat.

Brian Windhorst: The Celtics realized they gave up 78 percent shooting in the paint and allowed the Heat to make 19 layups. Nineteen. That isn't acceptable in a preseason game. It is common sense that they need to get tougher inside. They cannot win otherwise.

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MIAMI -- It's a double-dose of 5-on-5 today as we get you ready for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat:

First up, it's ESPN.com's 5-on-5 look at this series. ESPN Boston's Chris Forsberg joins forces with three Heat Index writers and ESPN.com's David Thorpe to answer these five questions:

1. Fact or Fiction: LeBron and D-Wade will continue their scorching play.
2. Fact or Fiction: For Boston to beat the Heat, Rajon Rondo is the key.
3. Fact or Fiction: Ray Allen's injury means more than Chris Bosh's injury.
4. Fact or Fiction: Miami wanted to face Philly, not Boston.
5. Fact or Fiction: Miami knocks out Boston for the second straight year.

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Next up, Forsberg and colleague Greg Payne join forces with a trio from TrueHoop partner CelticsHub to run down the series. A glance at the questions:

1. Can C's take advantage of Bosh's absence?
2. Do the C's have answer for defending Wade?
3. Who is Boston's X-factor? What about for Miami?
4. Do we finally see a great series from Rajon Rondo?
5. Prediction time: What happens in Game 1? And who wins the series?

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Each week our good friends at CelticsHub play a game of 5-on-5 to tackle the hot topics surrounding the Boston Celtics. In this edition, the guys preview the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Hawks, including potential X-factors for Atlanta. Here's a sample:

Do the Hawks have a surprise x-factor on their roster?

* Brian Robb: Willie Green. Any time you have a guy coming off the bench that is shooting 44 percent, you have to at least take some notice. even if it’s Willie Green. The shooting guard won’t play much defense, but has been a sparkplug for Altanta, serving as a very poor man’s Jamal Crawford for this year’s squad. If he gets going on the offensive end, he could make life tough for Boston’s D.

* Ryan DeGama: It might actually be Joe Johnson, who has the potential to be the best offensive player in this series, particularly if he starts at the SG spot. Johnson’s been hot since the all-star break (48FG%, 44% from the arc) and neither Avery Bradley (small) nor Ray Allen (old, injured) matches up well against him. That means Boston will rely on Mickael Pietrus, whose health remains an ongoing concern. I don’t like Paul Pierce as a primary Johnson defender because he needs to conserve energy for the second and third rounds where Luol Deng and LeBron James will be waiting.

* Hayes Davenport: Jeff Teague. He’s maybe the only player on this team who can both shoot threes and consistently get to the rim, and as Boston focuses its energies on forcing Johnson and Smith to take difficult shots, Boston guards will probably be helping off Teague much of the time. If they do, he’ll be free to receive a kickout and either take an open three or cut to the basket, bailing out the blown Hawks possessions that are essential for Boston to pile up.

* Michael Pina: The Hawks are the Hawks are the Hawks—a talented group that unfortunately hit their ceiling three years ago. But the one player I’d say has the slightest sliver of a chance at becoming Atlanta’s x-factor is their newest member, Jeff Teague. Filling in for an injured Kirk Hinrich in last year’s second round series against the Bulls, Teague was a major reason why the Hawks pushed one of the league’s best teams to six games. He’s very quick, but has a tendency to poke an opposing team’s proverbial Hornet’s nest which usually gets both him and his team in deep trouble. He’s the closest thing Atlanta has to an x-factor, but against Boston he should be well contained by one of the league’s best defensive back courts.

* Brendan Jackson: Zaza Pachulia. The Hawks’ big man is a complete nuisance. Just the type of player the Celtics hate to play against but would love to have off their bench. Luckily for the C’s, Pachulia is hampered by a foot injury. If he is healthy for any part of this series, his activity level on the glass and in the paint could swing the momentum in the Hawks favor.

Hop HERE to read the full 5-on-5 on CelticsHub.

ESPN.com's 5-on-5 today includes a hefty dose of Celtics-Hawks based on both Friday night's matchup and a possible first-round playoff series. Here's a sample, which asks, "Fact or Fiction: The Hawks will handle the Celtics in the playoffs."

J.A. Adande, ESPN.com: Fiction. This isn't like 2008, when the Celtics' core was playing its first series together and needed home-court advantage for each of its playoff victories against the Hawks. Yes, both regular-season games have been close, but one came the day after the Celtics won in Miami, the other in Atlanta after Boston had five West Coast games in seven days.

Graydon Gordian, 48 Minutes of Hell: Fiction. The Hawks could certainly beat the Celtics, but "handle" is too strong a way to put it. I think what we're more likely to see is a reprisal of the classic seven-game first-round series the two teams played in 2008.

Rob Peterson, ESPN.com: Fiction. I think it's the other way around. I don't think the Hawks -- or longtime observers of the Hawks -- ever know what they're going to get from game-to-game or from quarter-to-quarter. What I do know is that the Celtics have more of a killer instinct than the Hawks and Boston is not afraid to act on that instinct.

Brian Robb, CelticsHub: Fiction. I expect any series between these squads to be extremely competitive, with the core players from both squads remaining intact from their seven-game battle in 2008. Atlanta may have home-court advantage, but I expect the determining factor to be defense, and almost nobody has been playing D better than Boston this season.

Darius Soriano, Forum Blue & Gold: Fiction. This may be the best Hawks team of the past several years, but even if Al Horford can return in time for the playoffs, they will have trouble scoring against Boston. And while their defense can likely hold a pedestrian Celtics offense in check, I don't trust the Hawks to win a defensive series against the C's.

Hop HERE to read the full 5-on-5.

Each Thursday during the season we join forces with our friends and TrueHoop partner CelticsHub for a game of 5-on-5 tackling key issues surrounding the Celtics. In this week's edition -- the final of the regular season -- we talk playoff opponents, health issues, and what to expect from postseason Greg Stiemsma. A sample:

Should the Celtics prefer the Magic or the Hawks in the first round?

* Brian Robb: The Magic for obvious reasons. Beyond the injury and coaching drama they are going through, I don’t think Orlando would necessarily be an easy out, I’m just more worried about the Hawks talent. They have a core that has played together for five years now, defends well, and has shown they can be competitive in the postseason. With Boston looking for an easy out in the first round to preserve energy for later rounds, Orlando is the better candidate to fall quickly.

* Ryan DeGama: I think the Celtics will beat either team but given a choice, I’ll take the Hawks because Kevin Garnett can’t body up Dwight Howard (he’s game but he gives ground and it wears him out) and Greg Stiemsma might foul out against Howard in two minutes. Of course, this assumes that Howard will actually be 1) available for the playoffs and 2) more focused on playing than sabotaging Stan Van Gundy.

* Chris Forsberg: The Magic are a hot mess and are actually giving Dwight Howard the Jermaine O’Neal treatment (“If we get him back, obviously it would be a huge bonus, but we’re not expecting that at this point,” coach Stan Van Gundy said Wednesday). The Celtics match up incredibly well with Orlando regardless of whether D12 plays or not and — Tuesday’s effort in New York aside — Boston excels at limiting the 3-point shot. Alas, it sure looks like they’re going to get the Hawks, who have the inside track on home-court advantage. Regardless, the Celtics will not be overwhelmed by anyone in the East given their playoff experience and are a better team than Atlanta when healthy.

* Hayes Davenport: It may have not been this obvious when this question was written, but today it’s clearly the Magic. Either his back or his vague personality deficiencies is keeping Dwight Howard out of the playoffs. The team feels like it could conceivably just opt out of the first round. Plus Boston faced them last night without Rondo, gave up 27 points to Glen Davis and got outrebounded 43-29, and still won.

* Michael Pina: It’s difficult to take anything away from last night’s victory, but I still think Orlando would be the easier foe. Dwight Howard’s back is an obvious question mark, and even when he’s healthy the Celtics seem to have his number. Given the ridiculously difficult off-the-court drama they’ve had to put up with all season long, if there’s one team you’d expect to fizzle out in the first round of this year’s playoffs, it’d be the Magic.

Hop HERE to read the full 5-on-5 on CelticsHub.

Each Thursday during the season we join forces with our friends and TrueHoop partner CelticsHub for a game of 5-on-5 tackling key issues surrounding the Celtics. In this week's edition, we talk seeding strategy, playoff rotations, and poor Greg Stiemsma getting whistled for fouls he doesn't commit. Here's a sample:

Considering the recent wins over Miami, would the Celtics have been better off with the seventh seed, a first-round matchup with the Heat and a date with the Bulls no earlier than the conference finals?

* Hayes Davenport: I cannot believe I’m saying this, but yes: I’d love to take on the Heat in a playoff series right now. It’s like how you’re supposed to punch a guy in the face on your first day in jail: I’d prefer to confront Miami early, before they get their playoff rhythm going and while Boston still has some momentum from these recent victories. I’d also prefer to face Chicago as late as possible to increase the odds of one of their rotation players getting injured. Is that mean?

* Michael Pina: Yes, the Celtics have defeated the Heat in their last two meetings, but LeBron and Wade still make that team one of the league’s most formidable. What I’d really like to see is the Celtics catch Indiana for the third seed, play a beatable team like Orlando or Atlanta in the first round, meet Miami in the second round, and take things from there.

* Chris Forsberg: Earlier in the season, this absolutely seemed like the best plan of attack. But back then the Celtics were so inconsistent, it seemed like they needed some sort of gimmick in order to get through the playoffs. Now? Boston is playing like a legitimate contender and there’s no real reason to make things more difficult than they need to be. Yes, avoiding the Bulls for as long as possible remains in this team’s best interest, but there’s really no reason for a good team to desire a matchup with the defending Eastern Conference champions.

* Ryan DeGama: I’m torn. On one hand, I’ve no appetite for seven games of Wade and James hurling themselves into the paint and fouling out the entire Celtics frontcourt. On the other hand, Miami again appears vulnerable to Boston, and the Celtics could reframe the entire playoff picture if they take them down. I’m going to accept your offer, but only because there’s a decent chance Derrick Rose ends up battling injuries throughout the playoffs. It make sense for the C’s to take on Miami when they’re fresh and Chicago later, when Rose may be worn down or injured.

* Brian Robb: No. The way this team is playing right now, they shouldn’t be worrying who they are playing or when. Given the craziness of a condensed season, I’d take the slim chances Miami or Chicago is upset by the upstart Knicks in the second round, rather than guaranteeing myself a date with the Eastern Conference elite right out of the gate early. You’re likely going to have to go through both teams anyway, so making things easier in earlier rounds (with home court advantage) makes the most sense to me.

Hop HERE to read the full 5-on-5 on CelticsHub.

Each Thursday during the season we join forces with our friends and TrueHoop partner CelticsHub for a game of 5-on-5, tackling key issues surrounding the Celtics. In this week's edition, we not only talk about Avery Bradley's return to a bench role and Boston's lack of size, but we preview Thursday night's showdown as the Celtics (30-23, 11-14 away) visit the Chicago Bulls (42-13, 21-6 home) at the United Center (9:30 p.m., TNT).

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What will you be focused on during Thursday's Celtics-Bulls matchup?

 
Ryan DeGama: I’m interested to see how effective Doc’s teeny tiny lineups will be against Chicago’s energetic frontcourt. I also want to see what kind of energy the C’s have against an elite team after the loss to San Antonio and the overnight flight. If they come out and win this, I’ll be surprised. And more than a little impressed.

Chris Forsberg: Boston’s struggles on the second nights of back-to-backs (7-8 overall, 2-8 on the road) are well documented. Having to play the well-rested Bulls coming off a nail-biter with San Antonio is far from ideal. Last time they were in this situation in February, the Celtics dug themselves a huge hole and Chicago managed to hold on for the win. I want to see if the Celtics can avoid that lull this time and not have to resort to junking up the game with a zone to crawl back in. With Derrick Rose still battling that groin injury, there’s a chance for the Celtics to exploit the Bulls at the point guard position. And it’s a national TV game, which means Rajon Rondo will naturally be in the spotlight. The Celtics can split the season series against the Bulls tonight, and there’s something to be said for having that slight bit of confidence if they meet again in the playoffs.

Hayes Davenport: Echoing my other answer, I’m watching the boards. The Bulls are the best offensive rebounding team in the league. They win because they steal a lot of possessions that way. Based on how it went down against the Spurs, I’m worried that giving up rebounds tonight might be the continuation of a worrisome trend. If they can effectively box out Noah, Gibson, Boozer and Asik, that would tell us a lot more about their championship hopes than even winning the game would.

Brian Robb: How the C’s undersized front line fares. Boston has been overwhelmed on the glass in nearly every head-to-head contest this year and with Chris Wilcox out of the equation, the vulnerability becomes even more glaring against the talented Bulls frontcourt. With no reinforcements on the way, tonight should give us a good indication of whether the C’s will be able to keep their head above water on the glass in a potential playoff matchup.

CelticsHub Reader Skeeds: If Rose isn’t back, then I expect Rondo to dominate, similar to the game against the Heat. He will be by far the best player on the court and should play like it. With Rose back, this should be an amazingly interesting game. Every positional matchup is likely to play itself to a draw, (like Pierce vs Deng has in recent meetings). It will take more than one player stepping up to win, and I could really not predict who actually could against a defense as tight as Chicago’s.

Hop HERE to read the full 5-on-5 on CelticsHub.

Each Thursday during the season we join forces with our friends and TrueHoop partner CelticsHub for a game of 5-on-5 tackling key issues surrounding the Celtics. In this week's edition, we offer thoughts on how Boston has navigated a condensed schedule, the potential for Austin Rivers in green, and the development of Avery Bradley (a sampling below):

How has your perception of Avery Bradley changed this season?

* Hayes Davenport: It’s more favorable. Just from the extra playing time he’s gotten, Bradley has started to settle down on offense: you can hardly see his heart beating when he gets the ball anymore. His confidence has improved his jump shot and allowed him to shoot it more: he’s attempted five threes in his last three games after taking only one in the 27 games before that. These were the 19th picks before Avery Bradley: Jeff Teague, J.J. Hickson, Javaris Crittenton, Quincy Douby. I think he’s going to stand out in that group in a couple years, specifically as a Sefolosha-type perimeter defender and occasional jump shooter.

* Brendan Jackson: I have completely reversed course on Avery Bradley. He has proven to be a fearless defender and has shown me more in the way of attacking the basket and jump shooting than I thought he was capable of. Bradley couldn’t have gone into a better situation coming in as a rookie. Instead of learning one-on-one, low percentage shots, he’s learned the art of ball movement and effective cutting: a lost art for many NBA players.

* Chris Forsberg: Bradley never had a chance last year because of the pre-draft ankle injury (and, later, Doc Rivers’ penchant for red-shirting rookies). I think we all thought he could wiggle his way into the rotation this year based on his defense, but I’m not sure anyone knew he’d be the type to jump in the starting lineup and hold the fort when the likes of Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen were out. With his cutting prowess and an improving shot, he’s dispelling the notion that only his defense was NBA ready.

* Brian Robb: I see a player that is now growing comfortable with his offense and playing to his strengths. Last year, Bradley was a 20-year-old rookie trying to grasp NBA schemes while battling back from an ankle injury. While the defense has always been there for him, the offense has slowly come around this year, starting with the strong finishes upon cutting around the basket. That success has breeded confidence in Bradley and now the C’s have the guard they thought they drafted, one who can be a capable offensive player. Before the season started, I wasn’t sure Bradley would be able to reach that point this year.

* CelticsHub Reader Steve Backus: Avery appears to have worked on his ball handling. Last year he was bent over so much while dribbling it put him at a disadvantage. The big thing he learned (after Doc suggested it) is off-the-ball movement. The cuts to the basket have been crucial in getting him easy baskets. Defensively, he appears to be getting better and picking his spots to really apply pressure. Sometimes you just need to keep your guy in front of you.

Hop HERE to read the full 5-on-5 on CelticsHub.

Each Thursday during the season we join forces with our friends and TrueHoop partner CelticsHub for a game of 5-on-5 tackling key issues surrounding the Celtics. In this week's edition, we offer thoughts on Kevin Garnett's position shuffle, Jermaine O'Neal's two-year stint in Boston, and also preview tonight's Eastern Conference battle between the Boston Celtics (24-21, 8-13 away) and Milwaukee Bucks (21-24, 11-9 home) at the Bradley Center (8 p.m., CSN). Like the Celtics, we're a bit shorthanded (call it 4-on-5), but soldiering on.

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Bucks vs. Celtics on Thursday night. What happens and who wins?

* Brian Robb: I see a tough loss against a Bucks team looking very strong on the offensive end. New additions Monta Ellis and Ekpe Udoh have appeared to fit in well so far, giving additional firepower and depth to a squad that is knocking on the door of the eighth seed in the East. Look for the Bucks to attack the offensive glass and feast on Boston’s inferior second unit on their way to a 95-90 win.

* Chris Forsberg: Don’t want to overhype this one, but Thursday’s game is kinda huge. Sure, the Celtics are just a game back of Philly (the team it plays Friday) for the top spot in the Atlantic Division (the winner of which will vault to the No. 4 seed in the East). But the Bucks (six straight wins) and Knicks (five straight wins) are surging and Boston’s schedule looks incredibly daunting the rest of the way. You assume both Milwaukee and New York will level off at some point, every head-to-head win is important at this point. With two days off, Boston should have the energy to win this game, but it’s gotta lean on its defense.

* Hayes Davenport: The Bucks haven’t scored less than 105 points in 7 games. The Celtics haven’t scored more than 105 points in 9 games. I think the Celtics could keep it close if Ellis and Brandon Jennings develop “big game” egos and try to compete for who can shoot the most. But I think it’s more likely Drew Gooden pulls in a bunch of rebounds and Ersan Ilyasova abuses Bass. Bucks 99, Celtics 94.

* Michael Pina: On March 7th, the Bucks lost to the Chicago Bulls on a game-winning buzzer beater by Derrick Rose. They haven’t lost since. The Celtics are well rested, fresh off a thankful escape from Atlanta. Both teams are on the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings looking up, and neither wants to duel with Chicago or Miami in the first round, so as far as levels of intensity go, this game could feel, well, intense. What I’m most looking forward to in this one is whether Doc Rivers goes to a Rondo/Bradley tandem if Ray Allen has a difficult time defending Ellis. The Jennings/Ellis combination is a difficult one to deal with if you don’t have the personnel, but at least in certain stretches, the Celtics certainly do.

Hop HERE to read the full 5-on-5 on CelticsHub.

Each week during the season we join forces with our friends and TrueHoop partner CelticsHub for a game of 5-on-5 tackling key issues surrounding the Celtics. In this week's edition, we offer thoughts on whether Jermaine O'Neal has played his last game in green, who will emerge as Atlantic Division champs, and what the trade deadline might hold. Here's a sample, offering reasons behind Kevin Garnett's recent resurgence:

* Hayes Davenport: Probably just natural rhythms of biology and luck. Not sure he’s “extra motivated” because he’s always pretty much motivated to capacity.

* Chris Forsberg: A combination of knowing that this season (and the future of the Big Three) likely hinged on the stretch of games coming out of the break and Garnett being shuffled to the center position. Garnett has thrived in a league thin on pure centers, using a newfound quickness advantage at the 5 to increase his offensive output. In a way, it’s given Garnett a little extra confidence and combined with Boston’s early success in the second half, he’s playing some very inspired ball at both ends of the floor (at a time when Boston needed it most).

* Brendan Jackson: A mixture of pride and a legitimate second wind. KG’s play, like the rest of the Celtics, will continue to fluctuate with the weather. That said, it’s encouraging to see that he still has the ability to reach down and find enough to dominate opponents on a given night.

* Brian Robb: Fresh legs and a sense of urgency. The lengthy All-Star respite combined with a two-game personal absence before the break perhaps had the hidden blessing of revitalizing Garnett’s legs. You also can’t overlook the additional focus KG and his teammates have had with their new “grind” mentality since the break. Take that, combined with some added rebounding responsibilities at center and you’ve got an 18-10 player.

* CelticsHub Reader Mark Allison: It could very well be that KG is making his last stand. He might be contemplating retirement at the end of the season, and if that’s the case he’s going to go out leaving everything he has on the floor. He may have even discussed this with his teammates, creating the recent surge in intensity from the team as a whole (minus last night).

Hop HERE to read the full 5-on-5 on CelticsHub.

Each Thursday during the season we join forces with our friends and TrueHoop partner CelticsHub for a game of 5-on-5 tackling key issues surrounding the Celtics. In this week's edition, we offer insight as trade season arrives. Here's a sample:

It’s March 1st. You’re Danny Ainge. What are you thinking?

* Brian Robb: I’m getting antsy because I love to make deals and there’s plenty to explore, but I’m willing to wait. The opportunities out there for any of the C’s core pieces are likely not that appealing in the way of young talent on good contracts, which is what I’m looking for if I’m going to deal. I have cap space already, so trading for expiring deals makes no sense, unless there’s something out there that can improve the foundation going forward. My team has started to look better, so I watch and wait until someone knocks me over with an offer.

* Ryan DeGama: “Is it possible to dump my entire roster in a fourteen team trade? Because that would be awesome.” I’m convinced Ainge (he of the championship-or-bust mentality) is done with this core and will offload anyone and everyone if he can get a decent return. So, I suspect he’s contemplating moves that would utterly horrify Celtics fans. I also suspect he’s wondering how long he can pretend he’s not seriously shopping Rajon Rondo when rumors pop up every couple of months.

* Brendan Jackson: How can I improve this team? It’s increasingly apparent that the guys on this team just don’t have the trade value to net a serious return so it’s probably in my best interest to keep the Big Three intact. But then again, I’m Danny “Freaking” Ainge! I’ll trade Paul Pierce to anyone willing to give up a protected first round pick? Anyone?

* Chris Forsberg: I’m thinking I still don’t have a firm grasp on what my team’s potential is when healthy, so I’m gauging the trade market with every asset I have. In about 10 days, I’ve got to decide if I’m a buyer (is it worth taking a flyer on Michael Beasley?), if I’m a seller (what can I fetch from a contender for Ray Allen?) or if I’m just going to strap TNT to this thing (everyone’s available, whose got a package that helps us start the turnover process). In the end, the easiest option is just keeping the band together and seeing what happens because financial flexibility still looms in the offseason.

* CelticsHub Reader Scott Selfridge: I am thinking about whether or not I want to try and make it work with the Big Three, or make it work with Rondo. For some reason this season, they have been unable to work together on a consistent basis. Whether that’s because they are relying on Rondo too much, or Rondo is totally checked out – I don’t know. But it’s obvious that Rondo needs more athletic bigs and wings and the Big Three needs easier buckets. In my opinion, Rondo isn’t the future – that was made very clear this summer, during the Chris Paul saga and with the Pau Gasol rumors. Rondo needs a change of scenery, so I’d move him.

Hop HERE to read the full 5-on-5 on CelitcsHub.