Does 0-2 Mean It’s Time To Panic?

Posted by Brian Robb on Dec 28, 2011 236378 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2011%2F12%2F28%2Fdoes-0-2-mean-its-time-to-panic%2FDoes+0-2+Mean+It%27s+Time+To+Panic%3F2011-12-28+17%3A54%3A32Brian+Robbhttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D23637

We’ll be working together with ESPN Boston throughout the season here at CelticsHub, and one cool feature they will be introducing this year over on the mothership is a 3-on-3 set of questions before every Celtics regular season game. One CelticsHub member will be taking part in each of these, and you can check out the inaugural edition with Chris Forsberg and Greg Payne today by clicking HERE You can check out a sampling of my answers below.   

1. Fact or Fiction: Two losses to start the season are no big deal for this year’s Boston Celtics, even in a condensed 66-game season.

Fact. Obviously the slow start is not ideal, but given the opponents and injury problems Boston has been dealt out of the gate here, it’s hard to get overly concerned. The upcoming schedule also helps to soften the blow as four likely non-playoff teams are next on the docket (New Orleans, Detroit, Washington (twice), New Jersey). Lose to a couple of those teams and you have a problem. For now? There were enough positive signs from the first two contests to avoid the panic button.

2. Which player do the Celtics most need more from in order to get on track and stay afloat while Paul Pierce remains out of action?

Jermaine O’Neal. The “MVP” of Celtics training camp has been anything but in the early going, O’Neal has a step slow defensively and incapable of keeping up on either end of the floor through two games, tallying just six points and three rebounds in 38 minutes of action. He’s also faced regular foul trouble (9 personal fouls) in both losses as well. With Boston being scored upon at will throughout the first two games, O’Neal has to step up, especially on the defensive end, to help make up for Pierce’s absence.

3. Chris Paul took his talents to Lob City, so give me one reason the Celtics should be scared of Wednesday’s game against New Orleans?

Eric Gordon. Having Ray Allen chase around one of the best young scorers in the game just 24 hours after dealing with Dwayne Wade all night is a scary proposition. The C’s need to step up their defensive game against Gordon and the rest of the Hornets to keep themselves from having to play catch-up for the third straight contest.