Celtics playoffs opponent: Who could Boston play in 1st round?

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

NEW YORK — The Celtics picked up a huge win over the Hornets on Tuesday, nearly sealing the No. 2 seed in the East playoffs. The C’s need just one win or one Knicks loss to secure second place in the conference. Boston also faces New York at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, so it could clinch the No. 2 seed there.

However, with three games left in the regular season, who the Celtics could face in the first round is still uncertain. Just 1.5 games separate the sixth-place Raptors from the ninth-place Hornets.


As a reminder, the teams that finish seventh and eighth place in the East will play in the first round of the play-in tournament. The winner of that game gets the No. 7 seed in the East playoffs and face the Celtics in the first round (assuming Boston locks up the No. 2 seed in the East).

• BETTING: Celtics +5.5 point spread is sitting at -118 over on FanDuel for Thursday night’s Atlantic Division clash against the Knicks. Our comprehensive FanDuel Sportsbook review provides an in-depth guide on how to navigate through their site.

Here’s a look at the four teams who the Celtics could face in the first round of the playoffs:

Charlotte Hornets​

Record vs. Celtics: 1-2. Remaining games: vs. Pistons, at Knicks

The Hornets have been one of the best teams in the second half of the season. Even though the C’s beat the Hornets on Tuesday, Charlotte showed why it can be a pesky first-round opponent. Among these teams, they’re arguably the biggest threat because of their shooting and offense. They also have a top-10 net rating, the lone team among these four who can say that.

Philadelphia 76ers​

Record vs. Celtics: 2-2. Remaining game: at Rockets, at Pacers, vs. Bucks.

Just like it’s been in the past several seasons, the 76ers season has been about injuries and availability issues. Philadelphia does look like it has a chance to be healthy heading into the playoffs, but it remains to be seen if that’ll last. Former MVP Joel Embiid is putting up numbers in a half-season workload, plus Paul George is back from his suspension. The Sixers could push a team in the first round, but it’s hard to rely on them with all the availability problems and the playoff shortcomings.

Orlando Magic​

Record vs. Celtics: 2-1. Remaining games: at Bulls, at Celtics

The Magic have, once again, dealt with injuries. Franz Wagner has missed the majority of the season and hasn’t been able to string together a consistently healthy stretch this side of 2026. Much was expected out of Orlando following the blockbuster Desmond Bane trade last summer, but the Magic are once again in play-in positioning. They do get a big benefit down the stretch in playing a tanking Bulls team then a Celtics team that could have already clinched the No. 2 seed.

Toronto Raptors​

Record vs. Celtics: 0-4. Remaining games: vs. Heat, at Knicks, vs. Nets.

The Celtics swept the season series over the Raptors this season, though fans should know that doesn’t matter come the playoffs. Toronto has had a solid season, bouncing back after missing the postseason altogether last season. The Raptors have several solid players like Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett, among others, but they’re unproven.

More Celtics content​

• Knicks injury report: New York gets good news for crucial Celtics game
• NBA Thursday: Kalshi markets, prediction and picks for Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks
• Celtics injury report: 4 starters added for Thursday’s game vs. Knicks
• Celtics trade rumors: Boston ‘potential suitor’ for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Continue reading...