The Grizzlies and the Celtics are currently surging in the standings. Memphis is backed by rising superstar Ja Morant, who put up 52 points in his last game, while Boston has suddenly become a favorite to win the Eastern Conference. With the two title contenders facing off tonight, the Crossover staff answers a few questions.
Where do you currently rank the Celtics among title contenders in the East?
Howard Beck: I don’t (rank them among title contenders, that is). The clear contenders in the East are the Bucks, Heat and Sixers, in no particular order. If the Nets ever get whole, they join the pack. I’d put the Celtics in the next tier, with a chance to win the East if the others falter or are derailed by injury. They just don’t have the firepower to match the Bucks, Sixers and Nets, or the consistency and depth of the Heat.
