Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Justin Quinn

Celtics projected to be part of two biggest series draws in 2023 NBA Playoffs

The Boston Celtics may be stumbling a little bit as they get to the finish line of the 2022-23 NBA season, but that does not mean that there is a lack of buzz about the team heading into the postseason. In a recent article by Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale in which he ranks anticipated playoff matchups, Boston figures prominently in not one but two of the most anticipated postseason pairings.

The teams most looked forward to being seen battling it out in the looming 2023 NBA Playoffs include familiar names such as the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, and Memphis Grizzlies as well as some surprising ones like the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks.

Buy Celtics Tickets

But let’s see what Favale has to say about the series he believes Boston will be drawing the lion’s share of postseason attention.

No. 4. Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Feb 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) is defended by Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

“I’m not sure how much the gripping conclusion to the Feb. 25 meeting between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers influenced this ranking,” writes Favale. “Let’s just round up to “a lot.”

“There is also a high variability factor that should speak to us all. The Celtics remain reliant on jumpers, while the Sixers can bog down if they’re not getting whistles and/or giving a crap about defending in transition. And let us not discount the possible grift-off. Marcus Smart’s defensive antics versus Embiid’s and Harden’s foul-hunting will be unwatchable at times, but it’ll make for surface-of-the-sun debates.”

“Finally, the fans of each team just seem to get up for these games, both in-person and online,” adds the B/R analyst.

“This series might have the most enthralling off-court atmosphere of any prospective matchups that crack the list.”

No. 1 Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics

Feb 14, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket against Boston Celtics forward Blake Griffin (91) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

“This one’s for all the basketball junkies, the hoopaholics who care less about rivalries and subplots and more about matchups and tactical nerdery in high-stakes settings,” suggests Favale.

“Star power. Depth. Defense. Combustible offenses with the potential to dominate. For most of the season, the Celtics and Bucks have been stashed in a tier all their own, head and shoulders above the rest of the league. Despite Boston’s recent slide, both squads still belong there.”

“It’s only right we get to see them tussle, again, when it matters most,” he closes.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.