Boston Celtics bold prediction No. 3) Boston will finish with a top-three seed
In such a tightly contested race in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics have a legitimate chance of landing in the top three come playoff time. As of right now, the sixth-seeded C’s are behind Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and Cleveland.
No disrespect to the surging Cavaliers, but they are least likely to stay in front of this red-hot squad.
The difference between one and six right now is only 4.5 games. Of all the teams in the league, Boston has the 11th hardest schedule remaining in the regular season. In regards to the five teams above them, Milwaukee, Chicago, and Philadelphia all have a tougher challenge.
Unfortunately, the number two ranked Miami Heat and the number five ranked Cleveland Cavaliers both have easier schedules.
But because the East is so close, don’t leave Boston out of the top-three picture. Like I said, they’re only 4.5 games back of first place right now but they’re only 1.5 games behind the third-place 76ers.
Philadelphia just made a blockbuster trade, nabbing All-Star guard, James Harden, but there’s no telling how he’ll fit into the 76ers’ scheme alongside MVP front runner, Joel Embiid.
If Boston can manage to piece together another win streak like they did pre-All-Star weekend, it could be all they need in order to catapult all the way up to a top-three seed.
And considering how hot the C’s have been playing, would it really be surprising if they made another run like that?
While I think they will finish top three, I also think they have a legitimate chance at running the table and even winning the Eastern Conference.