Boston Celtics Take Huge Stride in Playoff Race Against Detroit Pistons

The never say die Boston Celtics continue to fight for their lives and in arguably the most important game of the season the Celtics came through with a huge victory against the Detroit Pistons.

Not only did the Celtics come through with a victory but a lot else happened that gave the Celtics a huge boost. The Charlotte Hornets essentially took themselves out of the playoff hunt with a loss to the Toronto Raptors. The Atlanta Hawks did the Celtics a huge favour by defeating the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Celtics were one notch away from having a perfect night. Fortunately, it was spoiled by the Indiana Pacers, who the Celtics still have separation from and hold the tiebreaker against.

Apr 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) looks to pass the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Solomon Hill (44) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

As it stands now, The Celtics have the same record as the Brooklyn Nets, but they hold the tiebreaker giving them the 7th seed. The Miami Heat fell a full game behind and they are also tied with the Pacers. It may be a long shot, but the Celtics are also only two games behind the Milwaukee Bucks.

While the fate of the 7 and the 8 seed will probably end in the same way as the Cavaliers and Hawks will be standing in their way. Reaching the 6 seed makes things a lot more exciting as a first round matchup against the Toronto Raptors will give the Celtics a serious opportunity to win a playoff series.

Of course the Chicago Bulls, who are just getting healthy, may also be waiting for the 6 seed but if Rose struggles in returning from injury the door will remain open for the Celtics.

Winning against the Pistons looks even more important given the remaining schedule of the Celtics. All four remaining games are against teams currently in the eastern conference playoff picture including the next two against the vaunted Cavaliers.

Apr 8, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) looks to pass the ball as Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) and guard Marcus Smart (36) defend during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Celtics beat the Pistons 113-103. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Fortunately, there is a legitimate chance the Cavaliers will be resting their starters. LeBron James has played more basketball games than anyone else in the league over the past four seasons and with him and potentially others on the sidelines, the Celtics will stand a fighter’s chance.

It doesn’t get easier but the Celtics have put themselves in a position where they control their own destiny. Another thing working in their favour is that the rest of the teams competing for the final playoff spot are far from perfect and that may give the Celtics a little wiggle room.

There are too many different tiebreaker scenarios to hope the Celtics will get in on a tiebreaker but having the one game cushion means a lot more pressure is put on the teams competing against the Celtics. The Celtics are also playing the best ball of their season.

Isaiah Thomas is back into his prime form and if he can get anywhere close to another game with 34 points on 17 shots the rest of the Celtics will certainly provide enough help to get back into the post season.

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