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The Celtics begin their preseason slate with a game against the Cavaliers in Cleveland. The Celtics held the first few days of training camp in Boston and then traveled to South Carolina for 3 days of camp at The Citadel. The Cavaliers traveled a bit farther as they traveled to Andalusia, Spain for training camp from September 30 through October 5.
The Cavaliers kept their core group of Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen together. They added a 3&D guy in Peyton Watson, who came over from Denver. They also added Jaylon Tyson and rookie Meleek Thomas, who was the 34th pick in this year’s draft. They lost Max Strus, Dean Wade, Dennis Schroder, Larry Nance, Jr, and Keon Ellis.
The Celtics kept a core group of Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Neemias Queta together. In what was the most controversial trade of the summer, they traded Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George. They also brought in Mike Conley and Mitchell Robinson as free agents. They also drafted Chris Cenac, Jr with the 27th pick of the draft.
The starting lineups are a guess on my part. For the Celtics, Derrick White, Jayson Tatum and Paul George are pretty much a lock to start. There is a question mark at center where Joe may start either Neemias Queta, who started last season and had a break out season, or new arrival Mitchell Robinson. At Shooting Guard, Payton Pritchard may start, or Joe may choose to start one of the talented wings who have shown improvement in camp.
**Boston Celtics Roster**Chris Cenac, JrMike ConleyLuka GarzaPaul GeorgeHugo GonzalezRon Harper, JrSam HauserPayton PritchardNeemias QuetaMitchell RobinsonBaylor ScheiermanJayson TatumJordan WalshDerrick White
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2-Way Players**
Dillon Mitchell
Amari Williams
**Exhibit 10 Players**Devin CarterTucker DeVriesHayden GrayGabe MccGlothan
Milos Uzan
**Possible Celtics Starters**PG: Derrick WhiteSG: Payton PritchardSF: Paul GeorgePF: Jayson Tatum
C: Neemias Queta
**Cleveland Cavaliers Roster**Jarrett AllenThomas BryantKhalifa DiopJames HardenMario HezonjaSam MerrillDonovan MitchellEvan MobleyCraig Porter, JrTyrese ProctorMeleek ThomasNae’Qwan TomlinJaylon Tyson
Peyton Watson
**2-Way Players**Tristan EnarunaRiley MinixErnest Udeh, Jr
**
Exhibit 10 Players**
Rashaun AgeeZach AustinCurtis Jones
Kadary Richmond
**Injuries**None
**
Head Coach**
Kenny Atkinson
**
Possible Cavaliers Starters**
PG: James HardenSG: Donovan MitchellSF: Peyton WatsonPF: Evan Mobley
C: Jarrett Allen
**What to Watch**
**How Jayson Tatum Plays** - Jayson Tatum played in just 16 games last season, plus 6 playoff games. He looked good and averaged almost 22 points and 10 rebounds, however, he didn’t seem to have the same explosion that he did before the injury. He also played along side of Jaylen Brown for the past 10 years and will be playing as the Alpha without him for the first time in his career.
**How About the New Guys**\- How will Paul George’s game fit with Jayson Tatum and how will he play in the Celtics’ system. Does he still have a lot in the tank and can he still play at a high level? Will Mitchell Robinson start or come off the bench and how will his game fit with Mazzulla Ball? Can he hit his free throws? Mike Conley has already proved to be a good signing as he is mentoring the younger players. How much will he contribute on the court? Can Chris Cenac, Jr contribute this season?
**Improvement from Young Guys** \- There are reports from camp that Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, Ron Harper, Jr and Hugo Gonzalez are all improved from last season. They are all hungry and want to earn playing time. Which ones have improved the most and will earn a larger role and more playing time?
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Roster Battles** - The Celtics have one regular roster spot and one 2-Way spot open. They have 5 talented and intriguing players in camp on Exhibit 10 contracts. One of them will win the final 2-way spot. The Celtics have kept the final spot open in the past but will one of these players impress enough to earn that final spot.
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X-Factors**
**It’s the Preseason** - The preseason is a time for the coaches to get a look at players who may or may not make the team, to experiment with lineups and different plays. Wins and losses are not as important as learning things about the players and the team. Regardless of whether the Celtics win or lose it will be great to see them on the court again!!
**Rust and Chemistry**\- This is the first preseason game with some new faces for both teams. Even with the same group, the first game always includes shaking off a lot of rust. Hopefully the Celtics can quickly play through the rust and play together as a team right from the start and that the new players can quickly gel with the returning Celtics.
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