Celtics To Start Small Ball Lineup in Game 2

It’s not a huge shock to the system, but the Boston Celtics will opt to go smaller in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, replacing Amir Johnson with Gerald Green.

Johnson only played five minutes in Game 1, while Green scored 11 points in 14 minutes off the bench, shooting 4-for-6 from the field.

Green started four games in the first round series against the Chicago Bulls and started the first two games of the Eastern Conference semifinals vs. Washington, but saw his playing time decrease significantly as that series went on.

Green’s play in the second half of Game 1 helped him earn this new opportunity and we’ll see if the move pays off.

Celtics coach Brad Stevens admitted in his pre-game press conference the move won’t help his team in the rebounding battle, which Cleveland dominated for much of Game 1, but the coach wants to have more shooters on the floor.

Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown will be two other guys to watch off the bench for Boston, who could see significant minutes in the game matching up with the Cavs’ wings.