NBA: Breaking down the playoff race in the Eastern Conference

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 03: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors drives against Justin Holiday #7 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 3, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 03: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors drives against Justin Holiday #7 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 3, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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2. Boston Celtics (40-19)

Boston’s recent adversity may be the best possible scenario for them as they head into the playoffs, sometimes there is such a thing as too much early success.

Kyrie Irving hasn’t been playing like himself over this past month, so let’s just assume it’s due to the lack of a consistent backcourt, mainly because of several injuries (Marcus Smart, Gordon Hayward)

The iffy positives: Terry Rozier is playing out of his mind, Greg Monroe is TRYING to turn his career around, and Gordon Hayward is shooting 3’s flat footed, the future is still strikingly bright for the Green.

Somewhat Negatives: I think most of us can agree that Danny Ainge probably should’ve gave up a first for Tyreke Evans, but also Ainge is a wizard, so what do I know.