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NBA: Predicting the East playoff picture at the midway point of the 2017-18 season

By Brandon Osborne

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 20: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics attempts a last second shot against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at TD Garden on December 20, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Heat defeat the Celtics 90-89. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 20: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics attempts a last second shot against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at TD Garden on December 20, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Heat defeat the Celtics 90-89. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 3: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on January 3, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 3: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on January 3, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

1. Boston Celtics

Current Seed: 1st 

Record: 34-10

Games remaining vs .500 or better: 19

The Boston Celtics have been the East’s best team to this point in the season and a big reason is their defense.

Boston has the NBA’s top defensive rating, at 101.9, and that’s the biggest reason why they’ve been able to survive without Gordon Hayward. It also doesn’t hurt that Jayson Tatum is playing like a seasoned All-Star.

Must Read: NBA: Biggest storyline for each team heading into the second half of 2017-18

As long as the Celtics  avoid any huge injuries the rest of the season, they should have a date with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Prediction: 1 seed

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