"They're a tough matchup at the [forward spots]," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "That's the toughest matchup for us. That Howard guy's pretty good, too, obviously."
The Celtics' biggest concern beginning with tonight's Game 1 at the Garden, is Howard, an All-Star who arguably is the NBA's most dominating center.
The 6-11, 265-pounder averaged 20.7 points, an NBA-best 13.9 rebounds, and a league-best 2.9 blocks per game during the regular season. He was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. The 2008 slam dunk champion is also an alley-oop and dunk waiting to happen. Howard averaged 16.8 points and 15.5 rebounds in four games against Boston this season.
"Defensive Player of the Year, 20 [-point], 15 [-rebound] guy," Celtics center Kendrick Perkins said. "I've just got my hands full. There's nothing else I can say. I've just got to bring it every night. I've just got to go out there.
"I can't put too much pressure on myself. I've just got to go out there and play team defense."
Without Garnett and Powe, there will be a lot of pressure on Perkins not only to guard Howard but to stay out of foul trouble. With 6-9 power forward Glen Davis starting for Boston, the only defensive options off the bench are 6-9 Brian Scalabrine and 7-footer Mikki Moore. Perkins averaged 9.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 3.5 fouls with no disqualifications in 30:19 in four games vs. Orlando.
"Trying to keep Perk out of foul trouble this series is going to be tough, too," Rivers said. "If he does [foul out], where do you go? That's the tough part."
Said Paul Pierce, "You've got Dwight Howard, such a physical presence in the middle. He's somebody you've always got to deal with for seven games, or how many games it's going to be."
Davis believes keys to defending Howard include being physical and fighting to keep him between you and the basket.
"Don't let him get any dunks," Davis said. "He gets frustrated. Elbows might get out. Stay focused on keeping yourself between him and the rim. If you give him an edge, he'll dunk it. You just have to know the procedure."
While much is made about Howard, Lewis (also an All-Star) and Turkoglu gave the Celtics more fits offensively during the regular season.
