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Boston Celtics: Regular season grade, silver linings and playoff X-factor

By Seth Friedman

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 04: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics is introduced before a game against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on April 4, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 04: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics is introduced before a game against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on April 4, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics Brad Stevens. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Celtics: Who needs to be an  X-Factor in the Playoffs

Marcus Smart is going to face multiple challenges in the Play-In Tournament. Against the Washington Wizards, it is likely his defensive matchup is going to be Bradley Beal or Russell Westbrook. Beal averaged the second-most points during the regular season, and Westbrook is the now reigning triple-double king.

If the Celtics lose this game, they will have the chance to face off against either the Pacers or Hornets. Both of these teams have a dynamic duo at the guard position with Malcolm Brogdon and Caris LeVert as well as LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier respectively.

When the Play-In Tournament comes to a close the challenges aren’t done yet. The Celtics will either play Brooklyn or Philadelphia in the first round.

This could mean Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and Kevin Durant, or the challenge of Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Tobias Harris. Neither is ideal, but it is the path they will have to take through the playoffs.

Next. Sorry Brad Stevens, you’re the odd man out. dark

Boston Celtics: Season grade for the regular season

C. . . Boston Celtics. 2021 NBA REGULAR SEASON

The end-of-season grade I would give the Boston Celtics is a C. The Celtics had to face a lot of adversity during the season, but beyond that, there were times where they pushed through, won games, but lost some tough ones as well.

Ultimately the 7th seed is not where they wanted to end up, but the Celtics’ organization was able to make changes and adapt to the issues they faced throughout the season.

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