Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Arden Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
At 26-26, the Boston Celtics have proven capable of beating bad teams, but have struggled with the top squads in the Eastern Conference. Collectively 2-7 against the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and Milwaukee Bucks–who are the three most likely first-round opponents should the Cs qualify for the postseason–Boston is not looking like a team that has the necessary juice to fuel a run to the Eastern Conference crown.
Next year could be a different story, though.
The foundation of a formidable foe to the Atlantic Division, Eastern Conference, and NBA as a whole is present.