Between October and November, the Boston Celtics reeled off 16 straight wins. The team’s run showed just why general manager Danny Ainge traded for guard Kyrie Irving and his supporting cast. Since the Miami Heat ended the Celtics’ run on November 22, Boston has continued its strong play; but the team has suffered nine losses since the Heat broke up the streak.
Boston resumes its NBA season on January 21 against the Orlando Magic. The Celtics have already beaten the Magic two times this season. However, Boston is coming off of back-to-back losses for the third time.
On January 16, Boston was beaten in overtime by the New Orleans Pelicans. The Philadelphia 76ers went to Boston two days later and knocked off the Celtics 89-80. The loss to the 76ers was Boston’s lowest offensive points production of the season. Typically, the Celtics defense has held opponents to low scores. However, Philadelphia was able to turn the tables on the Celtics. Irving didn’t play against the 76ers due to a sore shoulder. His absence was apparent as the Celtics lacked energy throughout the game.
Boston is still on top of the NBA’s Eastern Conference. Despite Boston’s great play this season, the team’s recent two game losing streak has allowed rivals to gain ground. The Toronto Raptors are just 2.5 games out of first place as of January 19. Although the Raptors are 30-13, the team’s performances away from home have hurt them. Toronto is just 14-10 on the road, but if the team can straighten things out away from Canada, the East could be up for grabs.
Sports books still favor the Cleveland Cavaliers to win the Eastern Conference. The confidence in the Cavs stems from LeBron James. The Cavs guard is averaging 27 points per game. But like the Raptors, Cleveland has found little success on the road. In fact, Cleveland is below .500 away from home. Boston’s recent slip up, however, means the Cavs are just six games out of first place. Unfortunately, Boston and Cleveland will only meet one more time this season.
Roughly 46 games have been played in the NBA thus far. That means we are just over the halfway point in the season. A simple ZCode System Playoff Simulator simulation of NBA postseason, if the regular season ended today, provides some interesting predictions.
It is easy to disagree with the midseason NBA Playoff prediction, especially seeing that the league’s three best teams – Golden State, Boston and Cleveland – are not able to make it past the first round. Take this prediction with a great big grain of salt.
Looking at the NBA ZCode System’s Power Rankings, the Western Conference’s Los Angeles Clippers lead the way. The Clippers may be eighth in the conference, but the team has won six straight games. It is the best record in the NBA, currently. The Clippers are rebuilding, and there is a chance they may not even make the NBA Playoffs despite the current hot steak.
As for our original question regarding the Celtics being the best team in the East, it is difficult to say. With Irving back, Boston is one of the best teams. Without him, the Cavs and Raptors are capable of being them on any given night.
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