Going into this year’s NBA playoffs, many people felt the likeliest NBA Finals matchup would feature the Boston Celtics against the Denver Nuggets.
The Nuggets have been challenged greatly so far in the second round of the postseason, as they lost the first two games at home to the upstart Minnesota Timberwolves, only to claim the next two contests and tie the series.
Meanwhile, the Celtics breezed past the Miami Heat in five games to reach the second round, where they currently hold a 2-1 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
They have also been the recipient of good luck when it comes to the health of other Eastern Conference playoff teams, which led Skip Bayless to say that it is basically a foregone conclusion that they will reach the championship series.
“Can the Boston Celtics get any more breaks along their East cakewalk??? Giannis/Dame hurt. Embiid hurt. JimmyButler/Rozier hurt. Knicks decimated. NOW DONOVAN MITCHELL’S OUT??? Just call it off and send ’em to the Finals,” he tweeted.
Can the Boston Celtics get any more breaks along their East cakewalk??? Giannis/Dame hurt. Embiid hurt. JimmyButler/Rozier hurt. Knicks decimated. NOW DONOVAN MITCHELL’S OUT??? Just call it off and send ’em to the Finals.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 13, 2024
As Bayless mentioned, a number of stars in the East are or have been hurt, and therefore the basketball gods may have essentially rolled out the red carpet for Boston.
On the other hand, there are some reasons for mild concern when it comes to the Celtics.
At times this season, they have lost games to inferior competition they should’ve won, such as when they blew a 22-point second-half lead and lost to the Cavs in March.
The real test for the Celtics will likely come in the NBA Finals, should they make it there, as a healthy and mighty challenger will probably be waiting for them there.
The Celtics haven’t won it all since 2008, and if they don’t do so this year, there will start to be some real doubt about whether Jayson Tatum and crew have it in them to capture basketball’s ultimate prize.
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