Heading into the 2017/18 NBA season, the general consensus among experts and fans alike was that we were heading for a fourth straight NBA Finals matchup between the Warriors and Cavaliers. The Celtics were viewed as a threat to the Cavs in the East, but Gordon Hayward‘s opening-night injury initially put a damper on the optimism in Boston.
One month later, however, the enthusiasm surrounding the Celtics is stronger than ever. After starting off the season 0-2, Boston has reeled off 14 straight wins, including a 92-88 victory over the defending-champion Warriors on Thursday.
The Celtics’ impressive play has convinced Chris Mannix of The Vertical that the C’s should be considered the new frontrunners in the Eastern Conference. Making his case for Boston, Mannix argues that the defensive rating posted by the 8-7 Cavs is a legitimate cause for concern — he also questions the Wizards‘ bench, and suggests that the Bucks aren’t yet ready to take the next step toward a championship.
The Warriors themselves are believers in the Celtics’ potential too. Before Thursday’s game, head coach Steve Kerr said the C’s look like “a team that is going to be at the top of the East for a long time to come.” After the game, Stephen Curry told reporters that he wouldn’t be surprised to be back in Boston in June for the NBA Finals.
In the view of oddsmakers, the Cavs remain the heavy favorites to come out of the East, but the Celtics appear ready to make things interesting.
What do you think? Are we still headed for another Warriors/Cavs rematch, or is this the year that another team pushes its way into the championship conversation in one conference or the other? Vote below in our poll and jump into the comment section to weigh in!
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75 % chance Warriors vs Cavs
25 % chance Warriors vs Celtics
50% you’re wrong.
Brooklyn over Dallas
Mozgov is finals MVP
I wish!
Finals: Rockets over Raptors.
Warriors vs Cavs if Isaiah is playing for the Cavs. If not Warriors vs Celtics
OKC is dangerous if they can put it all together for the playoffs
Charles Barkley said Cleveland and Toronto are better than Celts and last years team is better than this years. I disagree. I can see why they refused to trade Tatum and Brown. With Irving they are exciting to watch. It’ll be Warriors too for sure!
I’m a C’s fan but I have a feeling they are stepping on the gas to fast and they will be burned out by the playoffs especially by the finals
So I believe it will be a repeat of the old
Wish full thinking C’s vs T-wolves
I think the C’s have the best coach in the NBA. Kyrie got out because of playing second fiddle to LeBron and remembering what Cavs were like without him. He looks like he’s having so much more fun this season. I hope they get the Warriors and play a respectable series.
Just on ESPN’s OTL. The Celt’s are only team in NBA with winning record over Warriors the last 2 seasons. “Brad Stevens.” He has his Butler buddy Gordon Hayward as inspiration now!
Rockets over Cavs
Spurs Vs Cavs finals on the way!
Milwaukee v. Golden State
Up in the Air right now! The Cav need a guard. Kyrie is too fragile! He can’t complete the season! Cav could have won it all in 2015 because Kyrie got hurt! The same with the Celt
Go Celts!