Five advantages for the Celtics and Cavaliers entering round two of the playoffs

The Celtics and Cavaliers begin their first round series tonight with little fanfare given their recent lack of playoff history and Boston entering as significant favorites. Cleveland played in a Game 7 only two days ago, while the Celtics sent the Heat home nearly one week ago. Rest vs. rust, health, and offensive vs. defensive matchups will all become major factors in this series, and despite the obvious difference in talent across the rosters, both teams boast advantages.

For the Celtics…

1. Offense, by far: The Celtics finished first in offense and averaged 7.5 points per 100 possessions more than the Cavaliers during the regular season. Boston shot better (57.8 EFG%-55.7), turned the ball over less frequently (12.1-13.8 TOV%) and still managed 117.7 points per 100 against a tough Miami defense in round one. Cleveland completely stalled with 100.0 points per 100 versus a Magic defense that compared similarly to the Celtics’ during the regular season. Derrick White (22.4 PPG), Boston’s third option, went off in round one. Cleveland’s stumbled when Evan Mobley only managed 12.1 PPG. The Cavs hit 60 threes in seven games during round one. The Celtics converted 75 in five.

2. Health: Both team’s actual third options, Kristaps Porzingis (calf) and Jarrett Allen (ribs), begin the first round injured. Allen posted 17.0 PPG and 13.8 RPG before going down after Game 4 against Orlando. Porzingis was scoring only 12.3 PPG on 38.9% shooting, and the Celtics’ offense thrived in Game 5 without him. Allen moved gingerly and sat along the baseline during the open portion of shootaround on Tuesday. He’s questionable. Big wing Dean Wade, who devastated Boston during their last matchup, is out again with a knee injury after missing the entire first round. He did some light running on Tuesday morning. Porzingis is more likely than not to miss the whole series. He’ll be evaluated later this week. Donovan Mitchell was healthy enough to play, but did not fare well shooting in round one (25% 3PT). Cleveland does not currently appear healthy enough to compete. That could change.

3. Defense … if they lock in: The aforementioned turnover rate could become a big deal in this series if Boston flexes a more aggressive defensive effort as…