Hardwood Houdini
Fansided

Is the 1st-Seed Really What the Celtics Want?

By Jordan Van Beek

Dec 7, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) reacts with guard Terry Rozier (12) and forward Jae Crowder (99) against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 117-87. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) reacts with guard Terry Rozier (12) and forward Jae Crowder (99) against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 117-87. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next

If the Celtics Took the 1st-Seed

Dec 30, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) tries to get through Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21), Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) and Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) tries to get through Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21), Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) and Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

The biggest upside to the 1-seed is having homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs, which is a factor for the Celtics making a big run in the playoffs. The downfall of being on top of the East is certainly the matchups throughout the entirety of the playoffs.

A first round matchup for a first seeded Celtics team could consist of a big test early against a red-hot Miami Heat team. This is something the Celtics really should try to avoid. Yes, the Celtics have a 3-0 season series lead on them and they didn’t seem like they’d be a threat at that point in time. But this Heat team has completely turned their season around. Miami is 24-12 since the last time they played the Celtics back in December. Out of all the possible scenarios for first round matchups for Boston, this one is the most likely to result in another early exit for the Celtics. Still unlikely, but it poses the biggest threat.

If they were to get past Dion Waiters and the Heat, it would only get tougher. As the Celtics would take on a Raptors squad that has absolutely had their way with Boston all season long. It would be very hard for the Celtics to come away with a series win against Toronto, given how the Raptors seem to have the Celtics’ number this year.

If somehow Isaiah Thomas can lead this team to wins over Miami and Toronto, Boston would be extremely beaten up and would have an even tougher time against James and company.

A best-case scenario would be if the Bulls somehow grabbed the final playoff spot. But even then, an Eastern Conference Semifinals series against DeRozan and the Raptors would be tough to get by.

Home/Celtics News