The playoffs are a different animal. The margin for error effectively disappears. Rotations need to be cemented. With the possibility of play-in games for the Boston Celtics as they teeter on the edge of the play-in tournament, there’s no room for a lack of certainty.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens has the luxury of understanding most of his rotation, bolstered by the presence of four stars in the backcourt: Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. The fifth member of that coalition, however, remains to be seen.
The two candidates for the starting center gig offer widely different styles, skills and temperaments.