The Boston Celtics may be stumbling a little bit as they get to the finish line of the 2022-23 NBA season, but that does not mean that there is a lack of buzz about the team heading into the postseason. In a recent article by Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale in which he ranks anticipated playoff matchups, Boston figures prominently in not one but two of the most anticipated postseason pairings.
The teams most looked forward to being seen battling it out in the looming 2023 NBA Playoffs include familiar names such as the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, and Memphis Grizzlies as well as some surprising ones like the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks.
But let’s see what Favale has to say about the series he believes Boston will be drawing the lion’s share of postseason attention.
We have a few simple suggestions. https://t.co/GtoSsjFuCN
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) March 20, 2023
No. 4. Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers
“I’m not sure how much the gripping conclusion to the Feb. 25 meeting between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers influenced this ranking,” writes Favale. “Let’s just round up to “a lot.”
“There is also a high variability factor that should speak to us all. The Celtics remain reliant on jumpers, while the Sixers can bog down if they’re not getting whistles and/or giving a crap about defending in transition. And let us not discount the possible grift-off. Marcus Smart’s defensive antics versus Embiid’s and Harden’s foul-hunting will be unwatchable at times, but it’ll make for surface-of-the-sun debates.”
“Finally, the fans of each team just seem to get up for these games, both in-person and online,” adds the B/R analyst.
From big man Fab Melo (rest in peace) to veteran wing Jae Crowder, the Celtics were well-represented in this redraft. https://t.co/WnJqCfFBch
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) March 20, 2023
“This series might have the most enthralling off-court atmosphere of any prospective matchups that crack the list.”
No. 1 Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics
“This one’s for all the basketball junkies, the hoopaholics who care less about rivalries and subplots and more about matchups and tactical nerdery in high-stakes settings,” suggests Favale.
“Star power. Depth. Defense. Combustible offenses with the potential to dominate. For most of the season, the Celtics and Bucks have been stashed in a tier all their own, head and shoulders above the rest of the league. Despite Boston’s recent slide, both squads still belong there.”
“It’s only right we get to see them tussle, again, when it matters most,” he closes.
Jaylen Brown opens up about his activism and ruffling feathers as a Boston Celtic https://t.co/kNmABZiirN
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) March 18, 2023
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
