3 teams that could realistically threaten the Boston Celtics in the standings

Team that could threaten Boston Celtics No. 3) Brooklyn Nets

Come on now, did you really think there would be any other team listed here outside of the Brooklyn Nets?!

Unequivocally, this team is one that should send shivers down the spine of any Eastern Conference team that finds itself in the seventh to third seed range, not just the sixth-seeded Boston Celtics

Yes, we’re well aware of the fact that New York City has ultimately decided to keep hold of their guidelines that will prevent Kyrie Irving from playing in any home games (for the time being, that is).

Yes, we’re also aware of the recent news of the setback for their big-time trade deadline acquisition, Ben Simmons.

However, perhaps the most important news of all is the fact that superstar forward, Kevin Durant, is expected to make his return to the court Thursday night against the Miami Heat after having missed nearly the last two months due to a knee injury.

Now, obviously not having the entirety of this newly assembled Big-3 holds this team back from reaching their ultimate potential, but the addition of KD and having him run alongside at least Irving (who will be able to play in seven of their next 19) is likely to lead to a major step in the right direction, especially considering the fact that, of their remaining opponents, nearly half of them have sub-.500 records.

Currently just five wins and two seeds behind the Boston Celtics in the standings, as Brooklyn begins to regain overall health, their odds of making a run up the standings only manages to increase in a drastic way.