Miraculously, the Celtics are in the playoffs, and they're matched up against LeBron James and the Cavaliers. They might be dead meat, but their future is intriguing nonetheless.
Given the torrid pace at which the Celtics finished the regular season - including eight wins in their final nine games and an overall record of 20-9 from late February on - it's understandable that there's a great deal of optimism surrounding the C's heading into their first-round matchup with the vaunted Cleveland Cavaliers. Even with LeBron James and company rested and waiting on their home court, Boston remains hopeful.