In recent NBA games, the Celtics beat the Heat 103-91, while the Hawks lost 121-98 to the Clippers. The two results make the Celtics the third team in the league to clinch the playoffs this season, following the Cavaliers and Thunder.
With the win, the Celtics improved to 48-19 and clinched second place in the Eastern Conference. It also means they clinched a playoff spot 15 games early. Tatum had 28 points, four rebounds and five assists in the win over the Heat, Holiday added 25 points, four rebounds and three assists, and White added 18 points, five rebounds and four assists. Despite the absence of Jaylen Brown, the Celtics were still strong as a whole, and they managed to win the game at the end of the quarter.
According to pre-game trends on the NBA’s official social media, the Celtics need a win and a loss from the Hawks to clinch the playoffs today. Fortunately, the Hawks lost to the Clippers later in the game, which also set the stage for the Celtics to clinch the playoffs early.
Although the Celtics’ winning percentage has dropped slightly this season (71.6 per cent vs. 78 per cent last season), they remain among the league’s most efficient on both ends of the floor. Last season, the Celtics ranked first in offensive efficiency and third in defensive efficiency. So far this season, they are third in offensive efficiency and sixth in defensive efficiency.
In the latest odds, the Celtics, while no longer the top favourite to win the title this season, are still in second place behind the Thunder (+185) at +225. The Cavaliers, Lakers, Nuggets and Warriors were third through sixth, respectively, followed by the Knicks, Grizzlies and Bucks.
Celtic as last season’s champion team, this season still maintains a strong competitiveness. Despite some challenges and changes, they are still capable of making a strong playoff run. Let’s hope the Celtics continue to bring us some great games in the coming games!
