NBA Pretender or Contender: Bucks look legit; Celtics, Grizzlies fading?

Milwaukee Bucks (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)
Milwaukee Bucks (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)
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Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla and Jayson Tatum (David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)

Boston Celtics

At one point this season, it appeared as if the Boston Celtics were going to run through the Eastern Conference en route to an NBA Championship. However, at around the midway point of the season (or even before), it appeared that the Celtics hit somewhat of a wall. Since the middle of January, the Celtics have been quite inconsistent.

Whether that’s due to a bit of boredom in waiting for the playoffs or if this team has indeed peaked a bit too early remains to be seen. At the very least, it’s something to keep an eye on and remember heading into the NBA Playoffs. Despite those possible warning signs, it’s hard to look at this team and not be intimidated by their talent and depth.

When the Celtics are playing at their peak, you can make the argument that there isn’t another team currently constructed in the NBA that has a higher ceiling. If this team can right the ship in the playoffs, there may not be a team, perhaps other than the Milwaukee Bucks, in the East that can go toe-to-toe with them in a seven-game series.

Verdict: Contender