Brad Stevens 'Non-Committal' on Celtics' Starting Lineup vs. LeBron James, Cavs
As the Cleveland Cavaliers prepare for the Boston Celtics in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, they will have to do so without knowing who their opponent will send out on the court when the series tips off.
On Saturday, Boston coach Brad Stevens would not reveal his starting five for Sunday's Game 1, only noting that he will mix things up throughout, per GateHouse Media's Scott Souza: "We're going to play all the lineups."
Through the first two rounds, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford and Terry Rozier have started all 12 games. Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Semi Ojeleye and Aron Baynes have all been worked into starting lineup as well.
Regardless of who starts for the Celtics, LeBron James and Co. know what they are up against. Horford has been strong all postseason, Rozier has stepped up in Kyrie Irving's absence, and the youngsters, Tatum and Brown, have been on top of their games. Throw in Smart, Baynes and Marcus Morris, and there's plenty to prepare for.
Of course, Boston will not have either Irving (knee) or Gordon Hayward (ankle/tibia) available.
Cleveland won two of the three regular-season meetings, though Irving was still active the last time these teams met. Tatum, Horford, Brown and Morris joined Irving in the starting five in their most recent matchup back on Feb. 11.
Stevens may not have disclosed his lineup, but the Cavaliers know who is in their opponent's rotation. And with James on their side, they'll be ready to handle anything thrown at them.
