Chris Forsberg

  (2:02 PM)

Greetings and welcome to our final regular-season chat of the 2009-10 season (where did that season go?) Let's dive in and tackle your questions.

Rafael Forner (São Paulo - Brasil)

Hi Chris, my question is simple. What do you think is better ? Meet Milwaukee or Miami in the 1st Round ?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:06 PM)

Two weeks ago this was an easy choice. Now it's a bit more difficult. While I think people are less inclined to Fear the Deer after Bogut's gruesome season-ending injury, the Celtics have owned the Heat this year and I think that's actually an easier building to play in. So I'd stick with my gut and say the Heat. And I know full well that Wade has the potential to single-handedly take over a series. Regardless, I think the Celtics get past both teams in the first round.

mike jones (atlanta ga)

can the celtics really beat the cavs...

Chris Forsberg

  (2:08 PM)

Why not? If you look at the four season matchups, the Celtics split 2-2 and probably should have won the first meeting in Boston. So they can at least be competitive. Now, you can certainly say that Cleveland likely wins that final matchup if Anderson Varejao is healthy, but I think Boston actually has the potential to hang with these guys. It might ultimately come down to when they meet and how much each team has left in the tank. Let's put it another way: The Cavs scare me less than the Hawks, as preposterous as that sounds.

corrie smith (boston mass )

Does the celtics feel like they match up better with the cavs or magic if they made it to the second round?????

Chris Forsberg

  (2:10 PM)

Doc noted on WEEI the other day that he felt like it was probably a 50/50 split in the locker room, at least in terms of if players care whether they get the No. 3 or 4 seed (which will determine which of those teams they'd likely see in Round 2). I think they match up better against Orlando and I think it would behoove the Celtics if the Cavs had to go through Atlanta in Round 2, but I also don't get the sense any one in that locker room would lament seeing the Cavs in the second round. Easter Sunday added a little spice to a potential postseason matchup and I really hope we see it because both teams will be fired up for that series.

Ian (Newburyport,MA)

Everyone has been saying the C's will get bounced in the 1st or second round, do you think they use this as motivation in the playoffs?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:11 PM)

Not as much as fans probably think they will. I think they welcome being a team without a bull's-eye on their back (Cleveland can have that), but the Celtics are a veteran enough team that they won't sit there and play the "us against the world" mentality. They've got their own lofty expectations after all the talk of Banner 18 before the season.

Christian (Manchester, NH)

It still continues to baffle me...Ray Allen, who has been our best offensive player since the All Star break, gets 17 shots vs Cavs, then only 9 shots vs the Knicks, then 15 shots vs the Raptors. We all know Ray needs shots. It amazes me that we don't have him running off of more screens than having to watch Pierce iso's for the last 3 minutes of close games. Can Doc fix this?!?!?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:14 PM)

I don't necessarily disagree with you, but I also think the Celtics have different agendas for some of these final games. There's a reason you're not seeing playoff rotations every game now until the postseason. The Celtics know what they're going to do when the playoffs arrive, but there's other kinks to work out before then. That's why a guy like Nate Robinson got extended run vs. New York. If that's a playoff game, that doesn't happen. But your larger point is received, let's get Ray plenty of shots in the postseason. It will be a key to this team's success.

Ed (Baltimore)

Hi Chris. Do you think the second unit will make a difference in the postseason?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:16 PM)

Well, you certainly need a bench that can maintain or even extend leads, but let's remember that starters will be playing upwards of 42 minutes (like Rondo did vs. Cleveland), so the need for the bench to excel is lessened. That said, you still need Tony Allen to give you some energy and quality defense, and it wouldn't hurt if someone like Rasheed Wallace and Glen Davis gave you some production both in terms of scoring and on the glass. But it's not like you're going to be leaning on TA to be a backup PG for 12 minutes a game.

Nicole (ESWA)

Looking back, should we have traded Ray Allen at the deadline? Doesn't look like this team will have what it takes to hoist up another banner.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:18 PM)

After six months, my wife finally makes an appearance in my weekly chats. I guarantee she had to ask at least seven people in her office before coming up with this question. But looking back, regardless of whether this team wins a championship or not, it was in their best interest to hold onto Ray Allen. I firmly believe he gives this team a better chance to win a title than anyone else they could have landed.

Chuck McKenney (Nashua, NH)

Any chance Doc rests KG, Paul or Ray tonight or tomorrow? It seems like an opportune time with back-to-back games (Washington, Milwaukee). PS - I love the work you do on The 2 Man Game.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:20 PM)

It's a bunch of celebrities in the chat this week! You know, I've been wondering if it wouldn't make sense to give Marquis Daniels, Shelden Williams, and Nate Robinson extended run tonight. What's the harm? Let's see if these guys truly can wiggle their way into the playoff rotation and let the starters rest up a bit for Saturday's tilt in Milwaukee where the crowd will give that a playoff feel. Now, this would be easier to do if Boston's starters could open a comfortable cushion in the first quarter tonight, but even if they can't, what's a 16th loss at the Garden this year?

Hayden (Logan, Utah)

does the trash talk annoy you?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:22 PM)

Absolutely not. Can it be counterproductive at times? Of course. Sometimes the Celtics pick up a technical that ignites another team, but most of the time it's harmless. It's kinda funny seeing a guy like Tony Allen jawing at LeBron James. I think we can all agree that TA's not going to get too many chances to do that. And it's an emotional game. The Celtics are already regarded as a bunch of jawers, so why not live up to that reputation. What's the harm in being a team everyone else hates?

Andrew (NH)

something BIG needs to happen to shake this team up. No question, we have the talent.. it's the motivation and chemistry that's worrying (even with a 'healthy' roster). What do you think? Start second unit for first 5 mins of second half since that's where we generally struggle? Doesn't make sense, but maybe that's what we need.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:25 PM)

Game 79 isn't exactly the time to be rocking the boat. I think you'll see some different looks, but only because the team needs to see if end-of-the-bench guys like Daniels and Robinson can work out their kinks before the playoffs arrive. Because as Doc noted earlier this week, there will be emergency times the Celtics will need those players in the postseason (foul trouble, injuries, etc.)

Mike (Iowa City)

Hows KG's knees?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:27 PM)

Way to jinx him, Mike. We've gone a solid couple weeks here without too much KG knee chatter, so that can only bode well for Boston. Doc brought up a good point a short while back about how KG still lands a bit awkwardly, like his balance just isn't there yet. But his production suggests he's playing without quite the limitations that we saw earlier this year when opponents were routinely whizzing past him as if he was some sort of Fast Lane booth.

Jay P (Fall River, MA)

What do you think of Simmons article on Sheed? Is he you're least favorite Celtic ever? And finally, do you hold out any hope that we will see more from him in the playoffs, or will this be Detroit all over again (make excuses all year and say he'll step it up when it matters, but never does.)

Chris Forsberg

  (2:32 PM)

About 2/3 of my questions are on Simmons' article, so I suppose I should answer one before all the other questions get lost in the shuffle... Like any good column, it struck a nerve with a lot of people. I don't see it so much of an attack, as some people dubbed it, as someone who clearly loves the Celtics pointing out why Wallace has been such a disappointment. It's hard to argue that Wallace hasn't underachieved and that he's hurt this team at times. But if he can -- somehow, some way -- provide anything in the way of production in the postseason, much of his regular-season woes will be forgotten. Is Rasheed to blame for all of Boston's troubles this year? Of course not. He's hardly the only disappointment.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:33 PM)

Breaking news: Celtics waive Marcus Landry.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:34 PM)

See, every now and then I give you a reason to hang out in this chat. Evidently that answers the question of whether he showed enough in Maine to justify bringing him back next season.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:35 PM)

We're going to take a quick timeout in our chat to post this news to the blog. Sit tight. Grab a drink. Back in 5 minutes.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:39 PM)

And we're back. Quick thoughts on Landry move: A guy who wasn't going to appear in the postseason and, on the surface, it appears the team decided he wasn't in their future plans, so they've cut ties. A bit condemning of Landry for a team that's already thin on low-cost bodies for next season.

Steve (NYC)

Still think Marquis is gonna get the full mid-level?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:40 PM)

Someone's going to overpay for him. I think we all saw this year why Indiana didn't want to spend $7 million to keep him around, but when Marquis played to his potential, it's clear why someone would pay $7 million to have him around. It's too bad because he could have been so valuable to this team. I really hope he gets time over the final four games to build back some confidence because he has the potential to be a real factor in the postseason.

Derek (Cleveland)

You're quite the Celtics homer...is there anyone that you think the Celtics can't beat? To me, the Celtics just aren't the team they were, not even close.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:42 PM)

My point is that it would surprise me absolutely the same if the Celtics lost in the first round as if they won the NBA title. There's absolutely no way to get a read on this team. If they play like they have this season, they'll be bounced by Round 2. If they play to their potential, they're a legitimate contender to reach the Finals. The season suggests they can't flip a switch and, if that's the case, they don't get out of the second round regardless of whether it's Orlando or Cleveland.

Travis (Washington )

I don't think they wont make it past the first round

Chris Forsberg

  (2:44 PM)

Was that a double negative? I don't think they won't make it past the first round either.

Panda (Auburn)

You've seen just about every home game this season. What's been your favorite halftime show?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:46 PM)

Clearly it's the lady who flips the plates onto her head. Can someone make sure we have her lined up for the playoffs? She was integral to the team's success in 2008. And I'd rather see a game of Knockout than QuickChange and/or those guys on the trampoline.

Travis (Washington )

Oh yes sir it was.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:46 PM)

As long as we're on the same page.

Steve (NYC)

Which FA's do the C's bring back next year: Quis, TA, Nate, Ray Ray, Scal, Sheldon.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:48 PM)

Barring the unforeseen, I think Ray Allen returns and they keep the band together for at least another season or two (and that assumes Pierce doesn't early terminate). From there I'll be interested to see who they can keep on the cheap. Early guess: TA and Shelden return.

Brandon Paul (Manchester, NH)

Yo Chris, how's it going man? I was going to ask you what the point of waiving Landry was, but you just answered that in a tweet. So, as the C's come down the stretch do you think these games mean anything to this team? This is usual the part of the season a team doesn't care, but really all season this team hasn't cared. By the way, we have fans lining up at the door waiting for your next appearance on the Celtics Late Night Show.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:50 PM)

Did everyone just get the memo that I have a weekly chat this week? Celebrities everywhere! ... I think the fact that the Celtics are neck-and-neck with Atlanta for that third seed makes things a little more interesting over the last four games, but -- if you take the C's at their word -- these last four games are more important to make sure they're clicking on all cylinders for the playoffs. So if it means sacrificing a win tonight to try to rebuild the confidence of Daniels and Robinson, or to see if Shelden Williams deserves more time over Glen Davis, then I think the C's should do it.

Chris (Allston)

It's not basketball, but who cares. Can Tiger pull it off this weekend in Augusta?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:51 PM)

It'd make for the best story line, right? And reporters always root for the story line.

Rickey Henderson (Hall of Fame)

Chris Forsberg you are great, but Rickey says that Peter is the greatest Forsberg of all-time.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:52 PM)

To be fair, I'm injured less. And some will say I'm not even the most popular Chris Forsberg. Damn that race car driver.

Rafael Forner (São Paulo - Brasil)

Chris, you didn't think that Amar'e was very bad guy in the Bougt injury ? He didn't need bump in back's Bougt ?!

Chris Forsberg

  (2:54 PM)

No, even Bogut noted Amare did nothing to cause the accident on that play. Bogut slipped. It happens. After enduring last year's playoffs without KG, Celtics fan should feel Milwaukee's pain -- at least until the teams get matched up in the postseason.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:54 PM)

Let's tackle a few more. A blockbuster with Washington tonight, folks.

Ed (Baltimore)

The trade for Sheed in theory was good. What do you think of it now. He has been a disappointment to me after the all star break.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:56 PM)

First off, it was a free-agent signing, so at least the team didn't have to give anything up (except three years of cap space). Second, he's only disappointed you since February? ... I keep wondering if he'll turn it on in the postseason. But we just keep waiting and waiting and waiting...

Hanley (Boston)

I have my prom today. Any advice?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:57 PM)

So many potential jokes... so many potential jokes...

Jay P (Fall River, MA)

I know it's a bit early for off-season talk, but do you think Pierce will take the option, or will he prove he's in the running as one of the greatest Celtics ever, and restructure a deal with Boston to finish his career there, and pay him a more reasonably (considering his very obvious decline) through the next 2-3 years, thus also allowing the team more ability to re-tool in the off-season and stay in contention.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:58 PM)

My gut says he only triggers the early termination option if it's to sign a long-term deal to finish his career in Boston. That's barring some sort of freakish first-round sweep and blowing up of the roster in the offseason.

Nelson (Ludlow, MA)

Do you think the celtics will get better in the offseason

Chris Forsberg

  (2:59 PM)

Hard to say. It's going to be very difficult for them to get better, but I don't see them getting decidedly worse based on what they stand to lose (assuming they bring back Ray Allen). But clearly, at some point, they need to get younger.

mike (marlborough/dartmouth)

is sheed gonna pick up his 3rd yr option or will he do us a favor and sliver away into oblivion?

Chris Forsberg

  (3:01 PM)

Sometimes I shudder to think we might still be seeing Wallace do the "Groggy Gorilla" dance during peanut butter jelly time on the JumboTron in 2012.

Mike (Iowa City)

who is the leader of this team?? is it about time pierce hands off that title to rondo?

Chris Forsberg

  (3:02 PM)

Big Three and their dinner the other night suggest they still want control. I think that's one of the interesting stories to watch in the coming seasons as they hand to Rondo (and hopefully Perk).

Chris Forsberg

  (3:03 PM)

And with that, we've reached the end of our regular-season chats. Check back next Friday for our first playoff chat as we'll break down the first-round series. Thanks to all the celebrities for stopping by this week. An All-Star chat to wrap up the regular season.