7 Former Celtics Boston might have to face in the playoffs

The Boston Celtics have already clinched a playoff spot, and they are on pace to finish second in the Eastern Conference. They are primed for another deep run, and Boston has the second-best odds to win the championship. Jayson Tatum is averaging over 30 points per game for the first time in his career, and he should make his third All-NBA team.

The Celtics will be in the playoffs for the ninth straight year and the 15th time in 16 seasons. That means facing plenty of familiar foes in the postseason, including a few former players that called Boston home, but who could they battle against?

Seven former Celtics are on pace to reach the playoffs with their current squads. Here is a look at each, and how they could face Boston in the postseason.

Here are 7 former Celtics that could face their old team in the NBA Playoffs:

7. Bruno Fernando, Atlanta Hawks

Fernando spent the 2021-22 season with the Celtics where he was limited to mop-up duties. The 24-year-old big man is back with the Hawks and still trying to find a consistent role for the first time in his NBA career.

How the Celtics can face the Hawks in the NBA Playoffs:

The Hawks are going to be in the Play-In Tournament, but it is unclear where they will finish in the standings. If they are seventh or eighth and they win their first Play-In game, Atlanta would face the Celtics in the opening round of the playoffs.

Even if they match up, fans should not expect to see Bruno Fernando in the Hawks rotation.