The Boston Celtics, even as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, have a lot to prove in their first-round series against the Chicago Bulls
Unexpectedly, the Boston Celtics finished off as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference as the Cleveland Cavaliers would slip up greatly in the second half of the season.
Even having earned that 1 seed, the Celtics still have a lot of critics to shut up.
With the first seed, you evidently get the 8th seed team to play, which should be the easiest opponent. With that said, the Celtics will take on the Bulls today in their first game this playoff season.
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They were 2-2 vs Hoiberg’s team this regular season with both wins having been at home. The first game will obviously be in Boston.
A lot is on the line here for the Celtics. They need to prove to everyone they are a serious one seed and need to look like they will continue to be one for years to come. Brad Stevens also has yet to win his first playoff series – last season the Celtics lost to the Atlanta Hawks in six games under his leadership and two years ago they were swept by the Cavs.
Boston also needs to get late playoff experience. Not having made it past the first round in Stevens’ tenure thus far, guys like Isaiah Thomas, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley could use a could be playoff run greatly.
Especially with Smart and Bradley being on the talks of “expendable” with Boston having a shot at Markelle Fultz, this could be their time to show out.
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It isn’t a traditional 1 vs 8 matchup, as the Celtics were not favored to be in this spot, but nonetheless, they earned it and need to show everyone why. And that starts with Game 1.
Note: On a sad note, we would like to send our condolences to the Thomas family. Isaiah’s sister was lost in a fatal car accident Saturday evening.