The Boston Celtics are enjoying an impressive season in the NBA and look to be the team to beat in the highly-competitive Atlantic Division.
Looking to go a step further from the side that finished runners-up to the Golden State Warriors last year, Boston once again are serious contenders to go all the way this season.
Boston Building On 2021-22
It was almost a season that ended in glory for the Celtics last term as they came through tests in the playoffs against the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat to reach the NBA Finals. Boston, who is available at +400 to win the NBA title this season when you bet live on the BetUK site, were made to do it the hard way against some of the best teams in the competition. However, Golden State proved to be a bridge too far for the Celtics, who suffered a 4-2 defeat in the Finals.
Rather than suffering a hangover from last season’s disappointment, Boston has come back strong this year and finds itself competing at the top of the Atlantic Division. Their position was largely helped by a nine-game winning streak in January that started at the Dallas Mavericks, before ending with a defeat at Orlando Magic. Knowing they are capable of going on a winning run like that can only be good news for interim head coach Joe Mazzulla. Small forward Jayson Tatum has been enjoying another impressive season, as he led the team stats for average points per game and rebounds at the end of January. Team-mate Marcus Smart has also been instrumental in Boston’s campaign, as he led the average stats for assists and steals going into February. Both Tatum and Smart, along with the likes of Jaylen Brown and Malcolm Brogdon look set to play big roles for the remainder of the campaign.
Nets And 76ers In The Mix
While Boston looks to be the team to beat in the Atlantic Division, both the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers will both have their own lofty ambitions for the remainder of the season. Both the Nets and the 76ers joined Boston in the playoffs last season, only to fall short of reaching the coveted finals. Brooklyn fell at the first hurdle in the First Round with that 4-0 defeat by Boston, while the 76ers made it to the Conference Semifinals before a 4-2 loss to Miami.
With a star-studded lineup that includes the likes of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons, the Nets certainly can’t be underestimated this season. Philly has their own superstars under head coach Doc Rivers that Boston will be wary of, with Joel Embiid and James Harden capable of getting the Sixers on a winning streak. Beating the Nets 137-133 on January 25, Philadelphia also put down a statement win over their Atlantic Division rivals.
Boston will certainly take some stopping to be denied the top spot in the division this season but coach Mazulla and his side will know they can’t take their foot off the gas with the 76ers and Nets in hot pursuit.
