Can the Boston Celtics Get the Top Side in the Eastern Conference?
The Boston Celtics are still in the hunt for the top spot in the east, and they just might get there.
It’s that time of year, where the Cavaliers start resting LeBron and company to gear up for the playoffs. Earlier tonight, the Cavs lost against the LA Clippers, which leaves Cleveland only up by 1.5 games on the Boston Celtics.
I fully expect the Cavs second and third units to be the ones playing in most of the games down the stretch. After a game against the Lakers tomorrow night, the defending champs play the likes of Denver, Charlotte, Washington and San Antonio. They could drop three of those games if LeBron, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love elect to sit.
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Boston Celtics are looking to close out the season strong.
Even though Isaiah Thomas is sitting with a bone bruise, it’s not an injury to worry about. One of the most encouraging things as of late is the play of both Al Horford and Jae Crowder.
Crowder is finally starting to find a rhythm, and Horford is finally starting to look really comfortable with this team. The concern is obviously that the Celtics can easily blow games against sub-.500 teams. Those fringe playoff teams are no joke, so if they aren’t taken seriously that becomes a loss.
It all really comes down to luck. A few Cavs losses coupled with a solid string of Boston wins, and the road to the NBA finals will travel through the Garden. That may not seem like a big deal for a team like the Cavs who are the defending champs.
But don’t think home court wouldn’t make a difference. Boston is one of the hardest places to play, and in the playoffs it’s even worse if you’re the visiting team. Honestly, there’s not underestimating the confidence players have by being at home. Those shots fall easier, and fouls are called more often.
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Really though, getting that top seed still seems a little out of reach for me, but hey you never know. If the Celtics can find a way to grab that number one spot, I like the Celtics chances against any team.