In a thrilling Game 7 showdown, the Cleveland Cavaliers managed to secure a comfortable victory over the Orlando Magic, propelling them to the second round of the playoffs. However, their journey is far from over as they now face a formidable opponent in the rested and deep Boston Celtics.

The Cavaliers will have to dig deep and find another level of performance if they hope to advance past the Celtics. The series is expected to commence on Wednesday, May 7, at 7 ET at the TD Garden in Boston, with the game televised on TNT.

One key challenge for Cleveland will be finding ways to score against the Celtics' top-three defense. Although the Cavaliers dealt with a stout defense in the previous series, Boston's defensive prowess poses an even greater threat. Led by Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White, the Celtics boast a plethora of quality defenders who can stifle Cleveland's offense. Furthermore, with Kristaps Porzingis likely out with a calf strain, Al Horford will step up as the starting center and provide solid defense despite being perceived as the weakest link.

To counter Boston's defensive intensity, the Cavaliers will need contributions from their entire roster. Darius Garland, who struggled in the last series, must step up his game, while Evan Mobley will have an increased offensive role. The Cavaliers will rely on their role players, including Isaac Okoro, Caris LeVert, Max Strus, and Georges Niang, to knock down three-pointers and alleviate the scoring burden on Donovan Mitchell.

Defensively, Cleveland will have to tighten up their tactics against a potent and versatile Celtics offense. While Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown pose a significant challenge, the Cavaliers' undersized defenders in Garland and Mitchell could find themselves overwhelmed. Expect Jrue Holiday and Derrick White to capitalize on their matchups and have impactful performances.

One statistic to watch closely in this series is the Celtics' ability to score in transition. Unlike Orlando, who struggled to convert on fast break opportunities, Boston has the talent and discipline to capitalize on turnovers and turn defense into swift offense. If the Celtics amass a substantial number of transition points, it could spell trouble for the Cavaliers and make their uphill battle even more strenuous.

In terms of predictions, although the Cavaliers have shown resilience and earned their place in the second round, they appear to be outmatched by the Celtics' depth and talent. The Celtics, likely to win in five games, are poised to present the Cavaliers with difficult questions about their roster and the team's future. These questions revolve around Donovan Mitchell's potential contract extension and the long-term compatibility of Mobley and Allen on the court.

As the Cavaliers embark on their second-round journey against the Celtics, fans and analysts eagerly anticipate the outcome of this compelling matchup. Will Cleveland find the answers to the Celtics' challenges and defy expectations once again, or will Boston prove too formidable an opponent? Only time will tell as the series unfolds.