Boston Celtics Playoff Preview: The Most Dangerous Team In The East?

The Skinny

Finishing in the top-10 in both offensive rating (10th) and defensive rating (4th), the Celtics are one of the most balanced teams in the league. They consistently play strong two-way basketball; a result of their roster being populated by two-way guys like Evan Turner and Avery Bradley. Boston overachieved offensively this season, finishing 5th in PPG while turning the ball over less than just three other teams in the league.

The emergence of Isaiah Thomas as a true scorer, and the C’s deep rotation have helped to make the offense scary.

But it’s the Boston Celtics defense that has kept them among the elite the East, and what has carried them to this 48 win season. Their defensive rating of 103.4 lands them above playoff teams such as the Warriors, Cavs, and Clippers. And while they turn the ball over less than almost every team in the league, on defense they wreak havoc. The C’s force 14.6 turnovers per game, also good for 4th in the league.

The turnovers they force on D turn into easy transition points going the other way, which has allowed the Celtics transition game to blossom as a result.

It probably goes without saying, but..uh…defense is pretty important in the game of basketball, especially in the playoffs. Boston’s defensive strength, and their ability to create turnovers will allow them to at the very least run with any team they play in the Eastern Conference. They possess the personnel to match up with any potential opponent, and the Celtics will certainly be able to challenge anyone they face.

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