The Celtics during January and most of February had perfected the art of sucking they set franchise records for losing and without Paul Pierce were completely lost and looked like they were destined for one of the two worst records in the NBA. And then Paul came back and everything is starting to go completely wrong. A 4 Game winning streak at any other time in your fandom is nice, not now.With Paul Pierce the Celtics are a .500 team (5-5 since Pierce came back), especially with the development of Al Jefferson (15 & 11 this season) who is becoming the perfect compliment to Pierce on the outside. So with 23 games remaining say the Celtics go 12-11 that would put them at 29 wins for the season. Lets take a look at where that could put them.
Rearview Mirror
Memphis Grizzlies, 15-46 - Personally I think the Grizzlies have all but locked down the most lottery balls in the draft, which sucks a lot. Oden or Durant in a Memphis Grizzlies uniform to me would be an epic waste. Can we please get atleast one of the guys on a big market team? I would rather they end up on the horrible Hawks than in Memphis.
Within Passing Distance
The Cs have a 5 game head start on all these teams but a little continuance of the current hot streak as well as a few bad weeks from any of these 4 squads could give the Cs a passing lane.
Atlanta, 22-39 - I think the Hawks with a healthy Joe Johnson should be able to win enough games to maintain a lead on the Celtics. Honestly, if you told me that the Celtics couldn't get one of the top 2 picks I think the Hawks would be my second choice. I think a combo of Oden, Joe Johnson and Josh Smith would be pretty money. Hopefully they don't tank the season.Milwaukee Bucks, 22-39 - The Bucks with Michael Redd aren't completely miserable so he is the key to the Bucks remaining better than the Celtics.
Charlotte, 22-39 -The Bobcats are a team of worry, they have no star, just young developing draft picks and they aren't that good. In fact I'm pretty shocked they have 22 wins right now. Hopefully they can continue to overachieve.
Philadelphia, 22-38 - Out of these 4 squads the 76ers might be the biggest risk, especially since they'll play and most likely lose to the Celtics. Iguodala has played well and Andre Miller has helped but this team is no good.
Possibly Out of Reach
Seattle, 24-35 - Seattle's a decent enough team to win 8 or 9 of their remaining and should remain out of the Celtics reach.
Portland, 25-35 - Ditto with Portland especially since their young team is progressively doing better this season.
Miles Ahead
Golden St., 27-35 - The Warriors have a 9.5 game advantage over the Celtics so they would either have to be hideous or the Celtics would need to turn into an elite team down the stretch to slip below the Cs.
Minnesota, 26-33 - Ditto with the T-Wolves. 7 games down the stretch will be enough to put them too far ahead.
So right now it looks like the Celtics will fall anywhere between #2 odds and #6 odds, which are vastly different. If I were to guess the Celtics will pass atleast one of those teams with 22 wins probably 2, aka they're morons. Or they could let Paul take a vacation and lock up with the #2 lottery odds. Danny, any ideas?
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