Tyler Zeller Could Stay Center for Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics ended the preseason on a high note, easily defeating the Philadelphia 76ers, 81-65, at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH. That backcourt will be lethal defensively, while Lee and Zeller will contribute quite a bit offensively. After struggling in the opening minutes of many games last season, Boston’s starters should be able to tread water much more capably in 2015-16 if the preseason has been any indicator.

Friday night was second-round pick Jordan Mickey’s turn, as the LSU product racked up 10 points in 12 minutes of playing time while tallying four rebounds, one assist, two blocks and a steal.

Jared Sullinger may have come into training camp in the best shape of his career, but he’s also encountered stiffer competition than usual in the Celtics frontcourt in his third National Basketball Association season. And I think it will be a real positive from the standpoint that 1 through 15 can play.

Up next: The Celtics and Sixers meet again Wednesday at Boston in the season opener for both.

Cavs coach David Blatt says the team is being “conscientious and cautious” with James, who received an anti-inflammatory injection last week. “But you have to start well and you have to be prepared to play”, Stevens said.

Celtics.com looks at Tyler Zeller and his prospects to maintain his status as the starting center. So the question still remains, who are these Celtics?

Boston secured their lead in the final period by remaining the dominant team, outscoring their rivals by 11. The Celtics did not have a star player on their roster, but they did manage to compete on a nightly basis.

“So I really have spent very little time talking about [roster moves] with [Celtics president] Danny [Ainge] since we made the cuts earlier this week”, Stevens said. It’s likely that, when they reconvene after the weekend, they could be down to the 15-player max that teams are required to trim to by Monday night.

Key players to watch include Knicks power forward Derrick Williams, who scored 19 points against Boston last time out, and power forward Kyle O’Quinn, who had a double-double in that same game.

Anthony was cold, missing six of his first seven shots.