Is it truthful to be a bit involved concerning the Celtics?

These are a number of of the numerous sobering info:

1. The Celtics have misplaced three straight video games to fellow Japanese Convention playoff groups.
2. They blew a 14-plus-point lead in all three of these video games.
3. They’re now two and a half video games behind the Bucks and solely a sport and a half up on the 76ers.
4. They’ve given up 118.7 factors per sport of their final seven.
5. They’re 11-10 towards Japanese Convention groups with profitable information, together with 0-7 in additional time.

Sorry, I do know. Not enjoyable. Studying that in all probability felt like a chore. Don’t fear, we’re attending to the great things (nicely, the much less dangerous stuff, at the least).

These are a number of of the numerous encouraging info:

1. They haven’t been entire, attributable to accidents, and have barely performed at full power this season.
2. They put themselves in place to win every of these three video games.
3. Eight of their subsequent 10 video games are towards groups at the moment under .500.
4. After they misplaced three straight in December, they responded to win 4 straight and 13 of 15. After they misplaced three straight in January, they responded to win 9 of 11.
5. They’ve Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

So, given all of those variables, and all the opposite ones that maintain you up at evening, is it truthful to be a bit involved concerning the Celtics?

Nicely, let’s begin with this: I don’t suppose it’s truthful to be majorly involved concerning the Celtics. They’re arguably probably the most gifted, deepest and most nicely put-together group within the NBA. That hasn’t modified, and it received’t change.

Groups undergo slumps, and this hunch isn’t actually a conventional hunch in a way. It’s extra about inconsistency. They’ve performed to their potential in stretches; it simply hasn’t been sufficient good basketball on the proper moments.

Additionally, give the Nets, Knicks, and Cavaliers credit score. All of them balled out in key spots and hit robust photographs. Plus, the Celtics may have simply received Monday evening, even when Grant Williams made one much less free throw than he mentioned he would. After all many different issues go into deciding a sport, however it was there for the taking.

So, it’s not time to hit the panic button or begin watching the Bruins solely. This Celtics group has a knack for recovering and avoiding prolonged dangerous stretches. I totally count on Boston to win at the least three of its subsequent 5 video games (in all probability 4 or 5) towards the Path Blazers, Hawks, Rockets, Timberwolves and Path Blazers once more.

It might be unwise to rely the Celtics out, given their monitor document, general talent and collective starvation degree.

Now, having mentioned that…I do suppose it’s truthful to be a little involved. Before everything, I feel they’ve misplaced a little bit of the swagger they’ve had the majority of the yr.

The Nets, Knicks, and Cavaliers appeared like groups that genuinely anticipated to win. The Cavaliers are straight-up contenders, the Knicks are on the rise and the Nets can’t be taken flippantly.

Watching these video games, it appeared just like the Celtics and their opponent have been evenly matched groups buying and selling punches. It didn’t look like the Celtics have been sizing them up, ready to pounce on the proper second and put the sport out of attain.

The Celtics have been taking part in, too – and taking part in nicely at occasions – however they weren’t ever in complete command. A run appeared fully believable in every matchup, and that might be an issue within the playoffs as a result of it’s abundantly clear these groups aren’t intimidated within the slightest.

In associated information, it seems the Bucks are (very) good at basketball. The Suns, Nuggets, 76ers, Grizzlies and Warriors, amongst others, are all reliable contenders. Earlier within the yr, it felt prefer it was the Celtics versus the sector. Now it feels prefer it’s everybody clumped into one group. I thiiiiiink I’d nonetheless take the Celtics, however the discipline is much more engaging.

One other issue, in fact, is well being. It might be unwise to imagine that the Celtics will probably be at full power all the playoffs. After all that’s the aim, however it’s removed from a assure. As an illustration, the Celtics may win the championship with out Robert Williams, however their probabilities would inevitably take a big hit.

Lastly, the Celtics rely a terrific deal on the three. I really like 3-pointers greater than anybody I do know, and even I feel the Celtics generally take too many. It’s tough, as a result of that’s their largest power, however when the photographs aren’t falling, they could be a bit one-dimensional.

However all of that is a part of the journey, proper? You didn’t count on this group to win 65-plus video games and coast to a championship, did you? Nicely, perhaps you probably did, however I’ve received information for you: that ain’t taking place.

Nevertheless, a championship remains to be completely, with out query, inside attain. I couldn’t see myself choosing any group over the Celtics in a seven-game collection. Every one could also be a grind, however I nonetheless see them getting there in the long run.

So, sure, it’s truthful to be a bit involved….however solely a bit.