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Cleveland or Orlando: Who’s a better matchup for the Boston Celtics?

During the Toucher & Hardy radio program, Fred, Hardy and Jared Weiss from theAthletic.com discussed the Boston Celtics’ potential playoff matchups. Jared Weiss shared that while there’s no definitive answer,…

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During the Toucher & Hardy radio program, Fred, Hardy and Jared Weiss from theAthletic.com discussed the Boston Celtics' potential playoff matchups. Jared Weiss shared that while there's no definitive answer, he leaned towards Cleveland Cavaliers as a more favorable opponent due to Orlando Magic's historical advantage over them. He raised concerns about the Celtics' reliance on Al Horford, especially if Porzingis was out. Wallach added context by mentioning previous games without Porzingis where Orlando was handled well. Despite this, Jon preferred facing Orlando over Cleveland, citing concerns about Donovan Mitchell's impact. The conversation also touched on the Knicks vs. 76ers series, with a preference towards New York due to potential challenges with Philadelphia. Weiss also speculated on Porzingis' return from injury.

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TRANSCRIPT:

Fred Toucher: Who would you prefer if you're a Celtics fan, Cleveland or Orlando?

Jared Weiss: It's something I've been asked a million times, and there's no correct answer. But I think the most reasonable choice right now is Cleveland because Orlando has consistently dominated them. While I don't believe Orlando has the offensive firepower to win a series, they could wear down the Celtics enough for future matchups. We're mainly considering Al Horford here, given Porzingis' likely absence. Relying heavily on Horford, especially considering his age, could affect his stamina over a series. Cleveland, on the other hand, might be less physically demanding, especially if Jarrett Allen is dealing with a rib injury. This would make them less aggressive and reduce the strain on the Celtics where they are vulnerable against Cleveland.

Wallach: I remember when Porzingis missed a game against Orlando two seasons ago. They lost three times to Orlando but won convincingly without Porzingis in the lineup, suggesting they might handle Orlando well.

Jared Weiss: Yes, Lamar Stevens played remarkably during those games.

Wallach: My point is, I fear Cleveland more because they have the best player, Donovan Mitchell. If he gets hot in a short series, it could be challenging for us. I'd prefer facing Orlando.

Jared Weiss: It's a question of whether a longer series with less physicality or a quicker series with more intensity against Orlando would be better. The risk with Cleveland is higher because they have the talent to win the series.

Fred Toucher: Orlando sounds magical. Moving on to the series saving the NBA right now, the Knicks vs. the 76ers. Any preferences there?

Wallach: Probably New York, although Philadelphia's potential is scarier with players like Embiid and Maxey performing well.

Jared Weiss: New York has been impressive but lacks offensive depth without Julius Randle. They play extended minutes with their players, which could lead to fatigue later on.

Wallach: Any guess on Porzingis' return time?

Jared Weiss: I'd guess several weeks, maybe 2 to 3 minimum, considering the nature of his injury and his history with injuries.

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The definitive list of places to get a roast beef sandwich in Massachusetts

(Editor's note: This article has been update from the original.)

In Massachusetts, specifically and especially in the North Shore, roast beef sandwiches are deeply ingrained in the culture. The options are abundant when it comes to toppings. Whether you prefer yours with cheese and slathered in barbecue sauce (3-way) or with nothing at all. When you’re looking for a hearty and robust sandwich, the North Shore has it locked down.

Modern Butcher

NNB Rating: 9.7
Address: 36 Maple St, Danvers, MA 01923
Contact: (978) 750-9829
Web: https://themodernbutchershop.com/

Bella's North Andover

NNB Rating: 9.6

Address: 1211 Osgood St, North Andover, MA 01845

Londi's North Andover

Rating: 9.4

Address: 350 Winthrop Ave, North Andover, MA 01845

Pete's Woburn

Rating: 9.3

Address: 100 A Winn St, Woburn, MA 01801

Anthony's Tewksbury

Rating: 9.03

Address: 1921 Main St, Tewksbury, MA 01876

George & Leon's Maine

Rating: 9.01

Address: 9 Cumberland St, Westbrook, ME 04092

Tessi's Tewksbury

Rating: 8.98

Address: 910 Andover St, Tewksbury, MA 01876

Contact: (978) 851-8700

110 Bradford

Rating: 8.995

Address: 691 S Main St, Haverhill, MA 01835

Hap's Portsmouth NH

Rating: 8.95

Address: 2222 Lafayette Rd Unit A, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Contact: (603) 373-8455

Tostimo's Seabrook

Rating: 8.91

Address: 380 Lafayette Rd #6, Seabrook, NH 03874

Geo's Amesbury

Rating: 8.88

Address: 143 Elm St, Amesbury, MA 01913

Contact: (978) 834-5902

Anthony's Methuen

Rating: 8.86

Address: 1111 Riverside Dr, Methuen, MA 01844

Niki's North Andover

Rating: 8.73

Address: 208 Sutton St, North Andover, MA 01845

110 Amesbury

Rating: 8.729

Address: 66 1/2 Haverhill Rd, Amesbury, MA 01913

Anthony's Reading

Rating: 8.67

Address: 216 Main St, Reading, MA 01867

Jamie's

Rating: 8.66

Address: 44 Margin St, Peabody, MA 01960

Rizzo’s Lowell

Rating: 8.6

Address: 131 E Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852

Rizzo's Salem

Rating: 8.46

Address: 7 Paradise Rd, Salem, MA 01970

Rockport House of Pizza

Rating: 8.49

Address: 19 Broadway Ave, Rockport, MA 01966

Zeno's

Rating: 8.38

Address: 40 Central St, Ipswich, MA 01938

Contact: (978) 312-1497

Supreme Danvers

Address: 18 Maple St, Danvers, MA 01923

Ramzi's Peabody

Address: 139 Lynnfield St, Peabody, MA 01960

Nick's Pizza Beverly

Address: Address: 207 Essex St, Beverly, MA 01915

Contact: (978) 720-8972

Atha's Peabody

Address: 10 Sylvan St, Peabody, MA 01960

Contact: (978) 536-9915

Beefie Boys Truck

Address: The road

Mark's Wellesley

Address: 12c Washington St, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481

COMPLETE LIST OF PLACES TO SCORE A BEEF:

              Nick Gemelli, the wizard behind the scenes at Toucher & Hardy and a maestro on 985thesportshub.com, kicked off his radio escapade back in 2007 as an intern for Toucher & Rich on WBCN. After navigating through WFNX and the Boston Phoenix, he made a triumphant return to the show in 2016. Hailing from Marshfield but currently holding it down in Tewksbury, Nick’s radio journey is as dynamic as his Twitter feed. Nick writes about what happens on the Toucher & Hardy Show and Boston area lifestyle content.