Center matchup: Myles Turner v Aron Baynes
Remeber when Myles Turner silenced the crowd after hitting the game winner in Boston earlier this year? Good times. I’m sure the Celtics didn’t forget, though.
Regardless, Turner deserved to celebrate. That was a huge play. But that isn’t the only thing he silenced that night. Aron Baynes went 3/9 for six points and five rebounds. Turner really had his number on both ends.
Baynes is a tenacious rebounder most nights. He is third on the Celtics in rebounds per 36 minutes with 10.4, and three of those are offensive rebounds.
Fortunately for the Pacers, that is the end of the list of Aron Baynes discernable skills. He can’t defend in space, he isn’t a great passer, and he is just okay on defense.
Turner can shoot, screen, and protect the paint. He has Baynes beat everywhere but on the glass, and he should be able to have success in this matchup.
Advantage: Pacers