Celtics Playoff Preview

(Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Boston Celtics Playoff Preview

With the regular season winding down, the Boston Celtics appear locked into the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. However, the same can’t be said for the crowded play-in race, where just a couple of games separate the 6th and 9th seeds.

Boston is set to face a play-in team in the first round. Potentially matching up against some familiar opponents looking to dethrone them.

Let’s break down the possible matchups and how the Celtics fared against each during the regular season.

Charlotte Hornets (43–36)

The first meeting between Boston and the Charlotte Hornets was a disaster. The Hornets dominated from start to finish, winning 118–89. The Celtics shot just 38% from the field and 27.8% from three while committing 16 turnovers. It was a sloppy, uncharacteristic performance.

The rematch told a completely different story. Boston responded with a 114–99 win, shooting 50.6% from the field and 41.2% from deep. Even more importantly, they cleaned up their mistakes, cutting turnovers down to 7 and limiting second-chance points from 15 in game one to 6 in the rematch.

Takeaway: When Boston takes care of the ball, the matchup tilts heavily in their favor. Charlotte is on the rise, but the experience and defense would win the Celtics the series.

 Celtics in 5 but wouldn’t be surprised if it was 6.

Miami Heat (41–37)

The Miami Heat have had no answers for Boston this season. The Celtics swept the season series 4–0, averaging 123.3 points while shooting 40% from three.

Jaylen Brown has been especially dominant, scoring at least 27 points in all four matchups. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum recorded a 25-point triple-double in his only appearance against the Heat.

Takeaway: The Celtics have too much fire power and are too defensively sound for the Heat. Of all potential opponents, Miami looks like the least threatening to pull off an upset. Plus, a coaching matchup between Joe Mazzulla and Erik Spoelstra is always entertaining.

Celtics in 4 or 5.

Orlando Magic (42–36)

Expectations were high for the Orlando Magic after acquiring Desmond Bane, especially with the injuries in the east. Landing in the play-in wasn’t part of the plan.

This matchup has been competitive of the years, and this season is no different. Boston holds a slight 2–1 edge, but both teams have averaged 119.7 points per game in the series.

 Orlando’s defensive strategy is to run teams off the three-point line. Which directly challenges Boston’s biggest strength. In the regular season the Celtics still shot it efficiently but are shooting 8 less threes per game against Orlando.

Takeaway: The Magic can make things uncomfortable with their defense. If they limit the Celtics 3-point shooting and generate enough offense, they could keep it close. Still Boston’s improved ball movement, offensive efficiency, and interior defense should carry them through.

Celtics in 5.

Philadelphia 76ers (43–35)

A matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers would add another chapter to one of the NBA’s most historic rivalries. These teams have met 22 times in the playoffs, a playoff record. With Boston winning 15 of those series.

This season’s meetings felt like playoff games. The series was split 2–2, with three games decided by a combined four points. Philadelphia held Boston to its worst shooting numbers among the teams today. Shooting just 42.9% from the field and under 35% from three in every game.

Payton Pritchard struggled mightily, shooting just 3-for-25 from deep in the matchup.

With Tatum back as primary ball handler, Boston should create better looks for Pritchard and others. Leading to better offensive play all around.

Boston must avoid letting Embiid control the pace of the game and live at the charity stripe. They also can’t let Tyrese Maxey get comfortable who averages 30 points per game against Boston this season and can put up points in bunches.

Takeaway: This would be Boston’s toughest first-round test. The 76ers having the scoring ability and star power to keep up. Still, Boston’s depth and experience give them the edge, Celtics in 6.

Toronto Raptors (43–35)

After two disappointing seasons, the Toronto Raptors are back in the playoff picture, but this is not an ideal matchup for them.

Boston dominated the season series going 4–0, averaging 118.3 points while holding Toronto under 110. That +11.5-point differential is the largest among these potential opponents.

Interestingly, a team that ranks near the bottom in points in the paint (44.3) jumps to 52.7 against Toronto. On top of that, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, and Payton Pritchard have all shot over 45% from three in the matchup.

Takeaway: Toronto does have great size and defensive versatility. The Celtics have better shot creation and ball movement. This is a highly favorable matchup for Boston. Celtics win in 5.

Final Thoughts

No matter who emerges from the play-in, the Celtics will enter the first round as clear favorites. While teams like Philadelphia and Orlando present some stylistic challenges, Boston’s combination of elite scoring, improved ball movement, and playoff experience should be enough to advance.

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