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Showdown Against Cavs Could Decide One Seed

By Michael James

Dec 29, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) defends Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 124-118. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) defends Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 124-118. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Celtics could all but clinch the top seed in the east with a win over Cleveland Wednesday

In the biggest regular season game of the year to date, the Boston Celtics will host the Cleveland Cavaliers in a battle for the top seed in the eastern conference.

With few games remaining, the Celtics could create some real distance between themselves and the defending champs in the standings. The Cavs lead the season series 2-1, but the Celtics took the most recent victory at home.

Boston has had a relatively light schedule to close out the year, and Cleveland could be one of their final tests before the playoffs begin. Coming out and playing well against LeBron James and company could go a long way in helping them advance to the eastern finals.

Mar 1, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) gets tripped up by Cleveland Cavaliers forward / center Channing Frye (8) during the third quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) gets tripped up by Cleveland Cavaliers forward / center Channing Frye (8) during the third quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

The month of march was not kind to Cleveland, as they went 6-9 with the 29th ranked defense in the NBA in that span. Questions have risen about whether the Cavs have what it takes to get to a third straight NBA Finals, and those concerns are validated. If Cleveland comes into the TD Garden playing the way they did in March, Boston is going to run them out of the building.

The Celtics went 11-5 in March, and have picked up their defense thanks to the return of Avery Bradley, and the increased rebounding efforts of Jae Crowder. Brad Stevens seems to have his team playing very well at the perfect time, and a win Wednesday could clinch home court over the entire conference for the postseason.

Here are the remaining schedules for the Cavs and Celtics.

Celtics: CLE, @ATL, @CHA, BKN, MIL

Cavs: ORL, @BOS, ATL, @ATL, @MIA, TOR

Cleveland has a much more difficult schedule down the stretch, as five of their last six are against playoff teams. Boston, who only plays three playoff teams in their last five, could win out if they get past the Cavs.

While seeding doesn’t seem to matter to the Cavaliers, it should to the Celtics. Home court isn’t about having more home games in a series, it’s about having the most pivotal games in your building. Game 5 and Game 7 are the most important contests in any playoff series. The Celtics would be at a great advantage since the top four teams in the east are not good road teams. Here’s a look at their road records this season. 

Boston: 22-17

Cleveland: 19-19

Toronto: 20-17

Washington: 17-20

The Celtics can absolutely win their game against Cleveland this week, and they can beat any team in the eastern conference with home court advantage. Cleveland has been horrendous defensively, as their quest for enough offensive fire power to keep up with Golden State has hurt their ability to get stops.

Boston on the other hand, is now top ten in both defensive and offensive rating, making them the best all around threat to James’ hold on the conference. The Celtics depth has also allowed star players like Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford to stay rested throughout the season without taking days off like James.

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Starters with fresh legs, as well as experienced role players gives the Celtics an edge on the Cavaliers. Now let’s see if they can grab home court from them too. When you go against James, you need every advantage you can get. Boston will have a chance at gaining another on Wednesday.

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