The Maine Celtics (21-13) begin a potential playoff run tonight with a single elimination game against the Delaware Blue Coats (19-15). Winners of 10 of their last 12 games, the Celtics’ G-league affiliate enjoyed a strong finish to the season en route to securing the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
In turn, they faced the #6 seed Blue Coats — Philadelphia’s G-League affiliate — who won their first playoff game on Tuesday night to secure their spot in tonight’s matchup. The Blue Coats are the defending champions, but were led last year by a different cast of players, which included the Celtics’ now very own Jaden Springer taking home the Finals MVP honors.
Tonight’s game will take place at the Portland Expo in Portland Maine, and will tip-off at 7 pm on ESPNews.
Players to Watch
Two-way guard JD Davison has been the engine that’s made it all go this season, averaging 20.8 points, 8.6 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game in his second full year with the Maine Celtics. But he sprained his left ankle last week in a game against the College Park Skyhawks, and his status tonight is uncertain. Sources told CelticsBlog it’s possible he could return from a week-long absence in time for the first postseason game.
DJ Stewart, who has been the team’s second-leading scorer, also in jeopardy of missing tonight’s matchup, also with a sprained ankle. Stewart, who’s averaging 19.4 points and 4 assists, is listed as questionable, and has been a key contributor off of the bench all year long, particularly in Davison’s absence.
In the front court, Neemias Queta has only played in eight games for Maine — but he’s had a sizable impact, putting up 14 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2 blocks in just 22 minutes a night. Queta played a more significant role on the big club earlier in the season, but as of late, he has spent more time with Maine.
When CelticsBlog caught up with Queta last week, he said he was looking forward to making a playoff run with his Maine Celtics teammates.
“It might be a time where I come with Boston,” Queta said. “But hopefully I can keep playing, being able to help the team here in Maine.”
Neemias Queta has a lot of gratitude for the year he’s had with the Celtics:
“It’s definitely been a great year for me, being able to learn with some of the best players in the league… It’s definitely helping me be a more consistent player, getting to develop every day.” pic.twitter.com/V2qatl23PY
— Noa Dalzell …
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