BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 23: Head coach Ime Udoka of the Boston Celtics talks with Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter of the game against the Utah Jazz at TD Garden on March 23, 2022 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 Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
The Celtics are locked in a battle for a high seed in the Eastern Conference, but Boston has the talent required to win it all no matter where they finish.
The high-scoring duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have managed to push the Celtics into the hunt for a high seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Betting against Boston to make a deep run in the postseason is something NBA fans should do at their own peril.
That’s not to say that Ime Udoka’s team deserves to enter the postseason as the favorite to bring the Larry O’Brien Trophy to Beantown, but this group has more than a fighting chance. Eastern Conference peers would do well to try to avoid taking on the Celtics in either the first or second round of the postseason.
Boston fans can count on the following five reasons as explanations for why they shouldn’t make vacation plans until the NBA Finals have concluded.
5. Robert Williams will return
Losing the valuable shot-blocker for four to six weeks with a knee injury is a big blow to Boston’s hopes of capturing a high seed in the East. The upside is that Time Lord should be back in time for Round 2 of the playoffs assuming the Celtics make it that far.
Boston can certainly benefit from both his shot-blocking ability and his knack for getting to the rim to finish lobs. His mobility at the center position will give his team a big boost when he gets cleared to play. It’s just the sort of boost that can push the Celtics through an extra round of the playoffs.