Eastern Conference Playoff Preview: Boston Celtics or the Field?

Celtics or the Field?

Although the Celtics' regular-season success doesn’t guarantee a spot in the NBA Finals, Boston enters as the team to beat as a significant favorite. With a 41-11 record against Eastern Conference opponents this season, the C’s have shown dominance all year in conference play. Considering the talent on their squad, if the Celtics stay healthy, they should undoubtedly make it to the NBA Finals for the second time in three years.

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics finished the season with the best record in the league at 64-18. While the C’s finished a historic season with a +11.4 average point differential, it’s clear how talented Boston is. The additions of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in the offseason have fit like a glove, and the contributions from Boston’s bench this year have been an underrated key to their success. With the talent on the roster and the experience from the coaches to players, the Celtics enter the postseason as championship favorites for a reason.

NBA Winner Winner Odds

Boston Celtics +120

The Field

With the Heat’s victory over the Bulls in the final play-in game in the East, they join the Knicks, Bucks, Cavaliers, Magic, Pacers, and 76ers to round out the playoff picture. Although the East may not be considered as stacked as the Western Conference, there's certainly still top talent filling out the rest of the field in the Eastern Conference. As the playoff matchups are set, the field will have the chance to show they have what it takes to represent the East.

Eastern Conference Winner Odds

Boston Celtics -250

Philadelphia 76ers +850

Milwaukee Bucks +1000

New York Knicks +1000

Cleveland Cavaliers +1900

Indiana Pacers +2300

Orlando Magic +5000

Miami Heat +8000

First Round Matchups

1.) Celtics (-8000) vs. 8) Heat (+1800)

2.) Knicks (-144) vs. 7) 76ers (+118)

3.) Bucks (+106) vs. 6.) Pacers (-132)

4.) Cavaliers vs. 5.) Magic

Celtics or the Field?

Although the Celtics' regular-season success doesn’t guarantee a spot in the NBA Finals, Boston enters as the team to beat as a significant favorite. With a 41-11 record against Eastern Conference opponents this season, the C’s have shown dominance all year in conference play. Considering the talent on their squad, if the Celtics stay healthy, they should undoubtedly make it to the NBA Finals for the second time in three years.