2. Boston Celtics | +500
The Boston Celtics had a disappointing playoff run last season, losing to the eighth-seed Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals despite winning 57 games during the regular season and looking like a historically good team when you adjust their average scoring margin for their strength of schedule.
The Celtics were arguably the best team in the NBA last season, sporting an elite offense and an elite defense. Luckily for them, they could be that good yet again.
The Celtics have one of the best players in the world in Jayson Tatum, who has developed into an elite two-way wing and still has room to grow as a player, Jaylen Brown, a great young wing who can score and defend at a high level, and Kristaps Porzingis, one of the best offensive big men in the NBA who provides a lot of value as a rim protector.
The Celtics also have two fantastic guards, Derrick White and Malcolm Brogdon, and two great big men, Robert Williams and Al Horford. This team is filled with players who can provide high-level impact on both ends of the floor, which is a big reason why they’ve been so good over the last couple of years.
The Celtics don’t have a lot of weaknesses, but there is one thing that has kept them from winning a ring: the performance of their star wings, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. It may seem weird to say that Tatum and Brown have held this team back, but they have to some degree.
These two players are awesome, and Jayson Tatum is truly one of the best players in the league. However, both of them have serious weaknesses that keep them from being consistently amazing in the playoffs. If they can take that next step and become elite offensive players, the Celtics can get over the hump and win it all.