The Celtics have five advantages over all other East teams.
In Beantown, it’s championship or bust for the Boston Celtics, who boast the best record in the NBA. They added a couple players at the trade deadline and revamped their squad this summer. Stars abound in Boston. Focus is on hanging banner number 18, which entails defeating every NBA franchise.
There is now a space at the top of the East created by the Celtics. Philadelphia, New York, Cleveland, and Milwaukee are vying for the second seed. Boston has won 25 of their first 28 games at TD Garden this season, so they should enjoy home court advantage. Though it’s a huge advantage, what other on-court advantages are the Celtics able to utilize?
They are demonstrating their superior status as a squad by leading the league in multiple categories. Boston is still a serious title contender and ranks in the top three for both offensive and defensive ratings. These are the main advantages they have over rivals in the East.
5. Recaps
Brad Stevens and the front office traded for Kristaps Porzingis because they needed a threat inside to offer the Celtics a new look. The 7’2 big man spreads the floor and guards the rim, but his post-ups might be the thing giving Boston a new look that’s most beneficial.
The NBA’s seventh-most player, Porzingis, averages 3.1 possessions per game and scores an astounding 1.42 points per possession. The success of the team is mostly down to him. The NBA’s most efficient team, the Celtics routinely finish first in the Eastern Conference. The only other team that scores more than Boston is the reigning champion Nuggets.
In the postseason, defenses harden, so having an offensive presence in the post is a huge advantage. Kristaps Porzingis has the ability to shoot and capitalize on mismatches. With so much skill surrounding him in Boston, his post-up game is unparalleled. When it counts most, expect the Celtics to capitalize on opportunities abound.
