Locked On Celtics - Daily Podcast On The Boston Celtics Locked On Podcast Network

We're starting our week-long preview of the NBA Finals with part one of our double-barrel crossover podcasts between Locked On Celtics and Locked On Mavs with a look at how the Celtics defense will operate against Dallas, the Celtics 3-point shooting and why they'll go at it a lot, and why repetition is going to be Boston's best weapon to get the shots they want. 

Kristaps Porzingis participated in everything the Celtics did on Saturday, though we're not 100% sure what that was. But he seems to be getting even closer to a return. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal has that and then goes deep into how to defend Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in the Finals, and it's two very different approaches.

The Celtics will face the Mavs in the NBA Finals, pitting Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown against Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. How does Boston deal with Luka and Kyrie? Is there a way to wear them out? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal takes an initial look at the matchup, why each team is the other's toughest test of the playoffs, and why Boston's depth might be too much to handle. Also, how Kristaps Porzingis can be a big game-changer.

With so much time before the NBA Finals, we decided to open up the mailbag to answer a few of your questions. Those include the team's preferences in the Western Conference Finals, Boston defense vs. Dallas' offense, the NBA rooting against Boston, limiting Dallas' corner 3-pointers, Sam Hauser's 3-point shooting, Kristaps Porzingis returning, even if he's not 100%, and two-way players getting rings. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal gets into all of that and then addresses the video of a media pick up game in Indianapolis.

With so much time (and as of the recording, no opponent yet), we're still celebrating the Celtics run to the Finals and the genuine joy of Jaylen Brown's MVP moment. Then, John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Tom Westerholm dispel a myth about the Celtics effort and why things will be very different in the Finals no matter who they face.

The Celtics are headed to the NBA Finals after sweeping the Indiana Pacers! Game 4 wasn't easy and the Celtics didn't play their best, but they once again came through when it mattered most. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal gets into the big win, Jaylen Brown winning Conference Finals MVP, and facing the Mavericks (presumably). Also, a few thoughts on the passing of Bill Walton.