The Celtics, with a league-best 57-14 record, could clinch the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs for the first time since the 2016-17 season.
Seven years ago, a mismatched and beloved Celtics crew clawed their way to the Eastern Conference finals in pursuit of banner 18. Knocked out in Game 5 by the Cavaliers, a season that saw unprecedented success ended in heartbreak.
Now, with 11 games remaining in the 2023-24 regular season, coach Joe Mazzulla’s squad is looking to put a ring on it. A win over the Hawks Monday night in Atlanta would mathematically seal Boston’s status as the top seeded team before the playoffs.