The Boston Celtics are currently among the favorites to take home a championship in the NBA this season. Their top-tier play on both offense and defense are spearheaded by what many consider to be the best starting five in basketball.
The key additions of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis last offseason have played a big part in helping Boston reach a new level this season. If everything goes according to plan, they are set as the top dogs in the Eastern Conference for a long time.
But as we know, things do not always go like we assume they will in the NBA. As much as it looks like the Celtics are here to stay, unforeseen circumstances could end their dominant run sooner than expected. These are a few scenarios that could break up Boston's core.
Porzingis being unable to stay healthy
Bringing in Kristaps Porzingis has been huge for the Celtics, and his production at both ends of the floor has allowed them to quickly supplant the loss of Robert Williams on the interior. Thriving within the flow of the ultra-efficient Boston offense, Kristaps is currently averaging the highest field goal percentage of his career at 52%.
The one thing that has likely been in the backs of Celtics fans' heads ever since their team's acquisition of Porzingis is his health. Kristaps has unfortunately had an injury-plagued career, missing the entire 2018-19 season with an ACL injury and playing in at least 60 games in a season just once since then.
He has played in 46 of Boston's 62 games this year, missing time due to several minor injuries. If Porzingis begins missing more time due to his body failing him, the Celtics may have to question whether they can keep him around long-term.