Are the Celtics Good Enough for a Deep Playoff Run?
All-Star break festivities have ended in Toronto, meaning it’s a perfect time to start looking ahead to the NBA playoffs. Specifically, how deep of a playoff run do the Boston Celtics have in them?
The regular season still has two months of games left to play, but currently the Celtics are sitting in third-place in the Eastern Conference. At 32-23, the Celtics have won eight of their last ten games, moving past teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat in the process.
This is a far cry from a little over a month ago when the Celtics were toiling around .500, seemingly destined to be in a battle for the eighth seed, much like they were last season.
Unlike last season, though, expectations for this season’s team were higher. Last year, a playoff berth came as a surprise, considering the turnstile of players that ran through Boston’s locker room.
This season, with depth, stability, and an entire off season together, the Celtics had grander goals than just making the playoffs. They not only expect to get back there, but also hope to make a little bit of noise as well.
More from Boston Celtics
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Blake Griffin Angling Hard to Re-Sign With Celtics
- Game-by-Game Predictions for the Celtics’ 2023-24 In-Season Tournament Schedule
- Kristaps Porzingis’ Foot Injury is a Problem Despite Celtics’ Optimism
- Marcus Smart, Grant Williams and Ime Udoka all Returning to Boston on 2023-24 Schedule
Depth and versatility were much discussed about the Celtics before the season. Both have played major roles in the success of the team this season. Players like Kelly Olynyk, Jared Sullinger, Evan Turner, and Marcus Smart have seamlessly went back and forth between starting roles and the bench. Olynyk and Sullinger have taken steps forward in their progress. Sullinger is averaging a career-high 8.5 rebounds per game while playing relatively injury-free ball (knock on wood), missing only one game this season.
Olynyk is shooting a team-best 46% from the field and is knocking down 41% of his three-point attempts.
The impact of newcomer Amir Johnson also cannot be overlooked. While fellow newcomer David Lee has failed to make an impact, Johnson has provided the Celtics with both solid minutes and defense. Johnson’s numbers won’t overwhelm you, but his presence has helped bring stability to a front court that had question marks coming into the season.
One of the expected contributors in the frontcourt has suddenly re-emerged as well. Tyler Zeller, who has struggled from the start this season, made his way back into the rotation for a few games last week. In back-to-back games, Zeller posted a total of 33 points and 11 rebounds, numbers reminiscent to his output last March. If he continues to play regular minutes and contribute like that, the Celtics will have one more weapon to help carry them further in the playoffs.
A main component of how far the Celtics will travel in the playoffs will be the continued All-Star level play of Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder. Thomas was selected to his first All-Star game, where he contributed nine points in the high-scoring affair. Thomas is leading the Celtics in scoring (21.5 ppg) and assists (6.6 apg), but it is his boundless energy that drives this Celtics team.
Not far behind in energy and motivation to win is Crowder. His development and leadership have grown immensely, and his play on the defensive end will help determine how far the Celtics go. Crowder is averaging nearly two steals per game and is helping the Celtics in the rebounding department, where they rank seventh.
The trade deadline is approaching (Feb. 18th) and rumors have swirled about the Celtics making a major trade in the next few days. Standing pat maybe the best option for the Celtics, based on their success over the last month. Even if they do make a trade, it needs to be one that helps the team without breaking up the core unit that has helped them win this season. (i.e. not bringing in Dwight Howard).
Next: Video evidence that Red Sox baseball is back
As we ramp up for the home stretch of the season, the Celtics are sitting in a prime spot. Playing consistent basketball for the first time this season has helped. That consistency will be needed in the team’s final two months. Playing with that same determination and urgency should carry the Celtics to a berth in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals at the very least.
And if they slip back to their old ways? Well, a first-round match-up with the Cleveland Cavaliers could be on the horizon. That’s not something anyone ever looks forward to.