Though the Boston Celtics have been the favorite to win it all since the start of the 2022-23 NBA season, there have been some small cracks in the facade when it comes to the Celtics’ consistency with their 3-point shooting, their preferred option on offense.
And while that sort of thing is to be expected over the course of an 82-game season, it also hints at the fact that Boston is by no means a lock to get to the NBA Finals. But people are already starting to dream about the matchups we might see on the league’s biggest stage this season, and a recent article by Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey envisioned two of six such scenarios with the Celtics coming out of the East.
Let’s take a look at both.
Warriors vs. Celtics
“Tatum, Brown, most of the rest of last year’s core, and new addition Malcolm Brogdon exacting revenge would be a fitting way for the Celtics to secure their 18th title and put a little distance between themselves and the Los Angeles Lakers (who also have 17 championships),” writes Bailey.
“On the other hand, Golden State’s fifth ring with Curry would force lofty legacy conversations. Five championships would tie him with Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan and move him ahead of LeBron James.”
Clippers vs. Celtics
“If … the four-year run of Kawhi (Leonard) and (Paul George) will culminate in a Finals appearance, the Celtics might be the most entertaining opponent,” suggests the B/R analyst.
“In some ways, it feels like Boston has the younger version of that forward combo in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. And like LA, it has surrounded its top two with several players who defend, hit 3s and embrace their smaller roles.”
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
