The Boston Celtics currently have an NBA-best 40-12 record and appear to be far and away the best team in the association, but they have struggled in the last month. With losses at home to the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers, the Cs have shown that they can be vulnerable.
With the All-Star break approaching, it's a good time for us at the Houdini to assess our confidence level in the Celtics and their championship hopes.
The scale that we are going to use is 1-10, with 10 being we would guarantee they win the NBA title and one being they have absolutely no chance.
Boston Celtics confidence meter reading: 7
With that being said, my confidence level in the Cs right now is at seven. Although that might seem low to some fans, I think it's fair given how the team has looked lately. When the Celtics traded for Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, I thought we would see an updated version of the team in the Jayson Tatum/Jaylen Brown era.
Instead, the Celtics are not all that different, as they still shoot way too many three-pointers, and there are still people out there who question their overall toughness and makeup. Although the addition of Porzingis was supposed to alter the C's offense, they currently attempt the most three-pointers in the NBA.
Stephen A. Smith brought up a great point on a local Boston radio show that you are not going to beat the Denver Nuggets or Los Angeles Clippers by shooting that many threes. I completely agree with Smith, and it's a big reason why I have my doubts about the Celtics.
The overall toughness of the team makes me nervous, especially when you consider some potential playoff matchups. Although the Cs are more talented than the New York Knicks and Miami Heat, they are tougher, which should be a cause for concern. Even the Nuggets showed last season that they can rise to another level when challenged.
"I'm almost off their bandwagon... They don't win on toughness and defense."
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 2, 2024
Chuck sounds off on the Celtics' first-half performance pic.twitter.com/8Olm13SR7W
Overall, I think the Celtics should make the NBA Finals, but my confidence in them winning the title is lower than it was before the season started.