While all of Boston is gearing up for a round 2 matchup tonight in which the Celtics are heavily favored and people are already putting them in the conference finals I have a few words of caution...not so fast. Will the Celtics eventually win this series? Most likely. It certainly doesn't get much better for a 5 seed such as the Celtics to end up with home court advantage in the 2nd round against an inexperienced team such as Philadelphia. However, before we celebrate the matchup too much it's important to realize that the ultimate goal of this season isn't for the Celtics to make it to the conference finals, but rather win a championship. Banners are the only thing that matters in the Boston Garden rafters, not almosts. Not conference championship appearances. In order for another banner to be raised, the Celtics need to end this series healthier and fresher than they began it. Something that seems impossible for a team as banged up and old as the Celtics.

While the 76ers provide the Celtics with a great chance of advancing, I see it as a series that if not handled correctly will ultimately be the downfall of Boston. Yes, Philadelphia has no true star. It's only all-star caliber player is Andre Igoudala, a great 3rd guy on a championship team, but not a go to scorer or a player who can put the team on his back. However, the 76ers are full of Igoudala's or poor man versions of Igoduala's. They have 5 players averaging above 10 points, all athletic, all full of enough energy to cause a banged up veteran team like the Celtics some problems. If the Celtics are to advance quickly from this series they need to change up the routine. This isn't the type of series to rely on Paul Pierce and Ray Allen for the scoring. These two need to be rested as much as possible considering their injuries, Philadelphia's athletic wings, and the inevitability of how needed they will be should the Celtics get to the conference and NBA championships. Right now it is clear Paul Pierce is banged up and even more obvious that Ray Allen isn't himself. To get through this series quickly and with limited damage the Celtics need to lean on KG. He proved in the Atlanta series that he still has what it takes to be a go to option and the impact he has on his team on both ends of the floor is still arguably the strongest in the league.

None of this is to say that Pierce and Allen won't be vital to this series and of course they are going to be needed. But I'm okay with seeing a lot more of Avery Bradley, Micheal Pietrus and Marques Daniels this series. The Celtics can win with those 3 having their minutes bumped up in order to spell Pierce and Allen. If this balancing act of limiting minutes while also winning games can be achieved the Celtics will have set themselves up for a legitimate championship run, something that was seen as impossibility even a few years ago let alone in 2012. So yes Boston, be happy with the matchup, take comfort in knowing we most likely will advance another round, but be wary that if not handled correctly the Celtics will be setting themselves up for failure in the conference championship. If there is any coach who can find this delicate balance, it is Doc Rivers.

~WH