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The Boston Celtics guard depth is going to be tested again in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge said on his appearance on the Toucher and Rich Radio show that the Celtics are preparing like they will be without Shane Larkin for the entirety of the Cavs series. They are hopeful though, that there could be a chance his shoulder could be good enough to play towards the end of the series.
Danny Ainge said on @Toucherandrich that the Celtics are planning as if Shane Larkin will not be available for the entire Cavs series but hoping he could be back for latter part of series if shoulder improves.
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) May 10, 2018
Larkin was injured in Game 4 against the Philadelphia 76ers trying to fight through a Joel Embiid screen. He ran off to the locker right after the play happened and he was diagnosed with a left shoulder sprain, not returning to the game and also sitting out Game 5.
With Larkin out, that puts even more responsibility on the shoulders of Terry Rozier and Marcus Smart. When Smart played the point guard position during the regular season, the Celtics defense improved, but the offense really suffered.
The Celtics offensive rating with Smart at the point guard position was 100.3 according to NBC Sports, which isn't great. The defensive rating improved to 91.5, which is pretty solid. Against the Cavs and a game-changer like LeBron James running the point, it'll be interesting to see how the Celtics try to counter him.
The Celtics also will lose the ability to pick and choose when they want Smart to play the point guard position like they would during the regular season.
One thing to watch going into this series is when Jaylen Brown will be off his minutes-restriction. He's been limited since his return from a hamstring injury, and if Brown's minutes could be bumped up, that would allow Smart to move over from the two to the point guard position more often.
