Are the Boston Celtics the definitive team to beat in the east?
By John Canady
The Boston Celtics have ridden a wave of highs and lows this season. As of recently, Boston has been a bit unpredictable as to what version of the Cs will show up on game day. While the inconsistency has been a bit concerning, the Celtics group seems to be finding its groove as the playoffs approach.
The Celtics made a statement in a 140-99 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on March 30. At one point in this game, the dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were outscoring the Bucks 70–69. In a game that had the atmosphere of a postseason matchup, Boston showed up and showed out. The team looked locked in from tip-off and outscored Milwaukee in all four quarters.
Boston’s chances of clinching the No. 1 seed are slipping away and may be gone for good. Although the team may not finish atop the conference, they sure look like the best team in the east.
Are the Boston Celtics the definitive team to beat in the east?
The Eastern Conference consists of three heavy hitters, with the Celtics, 76ers, and Bucks coming to mind. While many can argue who the best of the three teams is, you can’t argue with the fact that the Cs are 5-1 against Philadelphia and Milwaukee this season.
The one loss came in a 131-125 loss to the Bucks in March while the Celtics were missing four starters, including the Jays. Despite being shorthanded, Boston still managed to take a healthy Bucks team to overtime before coming up short. Philly, on the other hand, has yet to defeat the Celtics.
The Cs have certainly had their woes this season, especially with their struggles against sub-.500 teams. And while the team has looked out of sync in each of these losses, the Celtics also have a 30-14 record against teams over.500, the best in the NBA.
The Celtics have taken a fair amount of deserved criticism for losing to below .500 teams.
— John Karalis 🇬🇷🇺🇦 (@John_Karalis) March 31, 2023
But their win over Milwaukee makes them 30-14 against above .500 teams, passing the Bucks (30-15) for best in the NBA.
Boston has proved that at their best, they can be one of, if not the most, dangerous teams in the league. With teams gearing up for the postseason, there is no certainty where each team will land in the seeding as of now. Nonetheless, the Celtics team has confidence that however the chips may fall, they will be ready.
Ultimately, the Celtics may not lock up the No. 1 seed in the league, but considering their track record against the top teams, it may be safe to say that Boston is the team to beat.