The Boston Celtics finished with the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 49-33 record, 28-13 at home. They face the fifth seed Indiana Pacers in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The Celtics were lead by Kyrie Irving, who averaged 23.8 points and 6.9 assists per game during the regular season. Boston has a solid group that plays well as a unit. Jayson Tatum has been a good second scoring option all season, averaging 15.7 per contest. Marcus Morris and Al Horford average a combined 27.5 per game, while Horford lead the team in rebounding at 6.7 per game. Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward complete a group that averages in double-digits scoring.
While the Celtics and Pacers were nearly even in terms of regular season record, the Celtics took three of the four meetings. They have a more balanced team and are particularly better on the offensive end of the floor and should dispose of the Pacers in at most six games.
The roadblock for the Celtics would likely be the second round assuming the number one seed Bucks defeat the Pistons. Examining the teams statistically, Boston is 14th in scoring, while the Bucks are first and averaged nearly six points per game more. While the Celtics have a slight edge in terms of turnovers and three-point efficiency, the Bucks have a tremendous five rebound per game advantage.
The key is Giannis Antetokounmpo, who averaged 27.7 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. With Boston’s mediocrity on the boards, Giannis will likely give the Celtics more fits than usual inside. If that isn’t enough, the Bucks second scoring option Khris Middleton was also an All-Star this season.
The Bucks won two of the three meetings between the teams this season, however, two of the three games were decided by four points or less, with the other decided by 13 in Milwaukee’s favor. Boston’s best shot is to contain Giannis and make the likes of Middleton, Eric Bledsoe, Brook Lopez and Malcolm Brogdon (schedule to come back in the second round from injury) beat them.
The Celtics season could continue past the second round if they play the perfect series against the Bucks. If that happens, they likely will have the momentum to win in the Eastern Conference Finals. However, the most likely scenario is for a Bucks win in six to end Boston’s season in the second round.
