If there is anything that suggests the Boston Celtics have the edge in a series against the Brooklyn Nets in their first round series of the 2022 NBA Playoffs, it is the Celtics’ league-best defense. Both teams have high level defensive capabilities, and the advantage of the Nets in terms of having won titles may be offset by Boston’s depth and home court advantage in the series.
The coaching differential is close, with Nash and Udoka both unproven and recently-hired head coaches, leaving the element of defense as a clear plus on the side of the Celtics. That equation might change with the return of Brooklyn big man Ben Simmons from injury, but the same can be said about recovering Celtics center Robert Williams III.
The hosts of the ESPN “Hoop Collective” podcast recently debated how much of an advantage Boston has on defense — and how much of an impact it could have on the series.
Check out the clip embedded above to hear what the crew has to say.
This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
