Why are there doubts surrounding the Boston Celtics?

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 24: Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics plays against Wesley Johnson #33 and DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers on January 24, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 24: Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics plays against Wesley Johnson #33 and DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers on January 24, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)

Why are so many people doubting the Celtics now?

It’s been a weird couple of weeks, as the Boston Celtics haven’t been performing up to their true potential. Entering the All-Star break, the Celtics are currently on a three-game losing streak, in fact, they have actually lost four out of their last five. This is not the Celtics team that we are used to seeing, and it seems that some people are already turning on Boston and looking elsewhere in the East.

By elsewhere, I mean the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors. Charles Barkley has gone on record saying that the Celtics are not in his radar for the Eastern Conference Finals, and only Toronto and Cleveland have a chance at winning the East. Remember, Barkley isn’t the best at making long-term predictions, but still, it’s worth noting that certain characters are already giving up on Boston.

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And why is that? First of all, the Cavaliers have seemed to be on a completely different level ever since their many moves prior to the trade deadline. The new look Cavaliers have been performing admirably in their short time together, and that has made many NBA fans excited and eager to see if it can continue for the rest of the season. As of now, the tide has turned and most fans seem to be most concerned with Cleveland.

The other problem for Boston are the Raptors. This team has won seven straight games and have gained lots of national attention as well. With the dangerous backcourt of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, the Raptors have wreaked havoc on the rest of the league so far this season, and lots of people have this team eventually making a return to the Eastern Conference Finals.

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Sure, Boston fans should be a little worried about all of the national attention being drawn away from their team. Fans around the world are losing confidence in Boston and it’s important that the Celtics come back from the All-Star break hungry. It all goes back to winning, and if the Celtics can get out of this minor slump, than the nation will recognize the true potential and talent within Boston’s young roster.