Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Boston Celtics now favorites to win NBA title

By Sam Minton

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Black Lives Matter is shown on jersey of Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics in Game One of the Eastern Conference Second Round against the Toronto Raptors during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 30, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Black Lives Matter is shown on jersey of Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics in Game One of the Eastern Conference Second Round against the Toronto Raptors during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 30, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Boston Celtics have won six straight games since the playoffs began and now they are the favorites to win the NBA title.

Headed into the postseason it seemed like the Boston Celtics were fighting a meaningless battle. Even if they got to the Eastern Conference Finals they would have to face the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

But Boston has gotten off to quite the start. They have been one of the best teams in the NBA so far.

More from Chowder and Champions

The Celtics are 6-0 after their win on Tuesday night. They swept the 76ers and are now up two games to none over the defending champion Toronto Raptors.

Toronto might not have Kawhi Leonard anymore, but they are still a tough team to beat with Pascal Siakim and Kyle Lowry running things. You also have to worry about guys like Fred VanVleet and Serge Ibaka.

It’s clear that Boston has shown that they shouldn’t be counted out. Especially since they have been beating the Raptors without Gordan Hayward.

Now according to FiveThirtyEight, the Celtics are the favorites to win the title. They give Boston a 68 percent chance of advancing to the NBA finals and a 37 percent chance of winning the whole thing.

Those numbers are rather shocking. Especially considering all the talent out in the Western Conference.

But this shows how dominant Boston has been. Jayson Tatum has been playing some of the best basketball of his career. This postseason he is averaging 27.2 points and 9.3 rebounds a game.

Also in Game Two, we saw Marcus Smart become a man on fire. He scored 19 points and was six for 11 behind the three-point line. He has really stepped up since Hayward has been absent.

What was arguably even more impressive in Game Two was that Kemba Walker was struggling. It was one of his worst games as a Celtic, and the team was able to pick up the slack and find a way to win the game. That’s what makes this team special.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention Jaylen Brown. He has been the leader on and off the court that Boston needed.

Next. Don’t be surprised if Celtics game is canceled. dark

So watch out NBA. The Boston Celtics might just surprise you and end up adding an 18th banner to TD Garden.

Home/Boston Celtics