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  • October 23, 2007 01:21 PM ET

Will the newly formed, highly hyped Boston Celtics make the NBA Playoffs?

Plato's Apprentice (8-11-0) vs Wbcincy (14-3-0)
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I'm going to go out on a limb here and take on some tough comments since every single sporting publication has the Celtics in the top 3 or 4 within the East. I just think the depth is far too shallow for an entire NBA season and I believe the likelihood of 2 of the top 3, Paul Pierce and probably Ray Allen going down with injuries are very high. The Celtics are built for the playoffs, but they have to get there first. I contend that NO, the Celtics will NOT make the NBA 2008 Playoffs


1) They're in the East, they dont need depth, they just need to not be absolutely pathetic. There were only 5 teams in the East over .500 last year.

2) The NBA playoffs allow more than half of the teams to make the playoffs.


Who is going to make the playoffs for sure in the East:
Raptors
Pistons
Cavs
Bulls
Heat


Please tell me which of the following teams will be making the playoffs AHEAD of the Celtics:
Bucks
Hawks
Knicks
Bobcats
76ers
Pacers
Wizards
Nets
Magic

Because unless you can say that 3 of those teams are better than the Celtics, your argument fails.


HAHAHA...good point....but here are your three teams that will be AHEAD of the Celtics when the season is done and over with
1) Nets - They have enough depth outside of Kidd, Carter and Jefferson to limp along even if one or two go down with injuries, and we KNOW Carter will not play full steam ahead all year long, that pans
2) The Knicks - It's do or die year for Thomas and he HAS to get this team into the playoffs. Eddie Curry is decent, Marbury will be Marbury...and they'll sneak 3) Magic - Ho


I would argue that the teams you're putting ahead of the Celtics lack any great depth as well. So what it really comes down to is, sonce none of the 4 have the best benches in the NBA, so it really comes down to which starting lineup are you going to go with. I would take Pierce, Allen, and Garnett over any 3 the other 3 teams could produce.

The Celtics wont need a great bench, they'll be able to do well enough with their startes to make up for any deficiencies they have on the bench.

I dont think the Celtics have the type of team to go far once in the playoffs, but they will easily get there, I think around 5th in the East.


Good points...
But I would argue that the Celts have the worst bench out of all teams in the East, at least near the bottom. The one things the 3 teams I named, and perhaps the Wizards have over the Celts is consistency from last year. At least they know what they have. The Celts just have too many unknowns, too many question marks and some old and fragile veterans.


Allen is the only one with any kind of historical injury trouble. Garnett hasnt missed serious time since 98-99 and Pierce only last year.

I think its hard to say that they are a veteran team and unknown at the same time. If anything, it tells us exactly what we're getting.

They have some experience on the bench with Pollard and Posey and I dont think Allen and House are that bad.

Their bench, while nothing special, will be good enough to hold on to the leads the big 3 put up until they come back in. And with 3 talents this good, when one is resting, the others can take over.

Again, we're talking about the East, they dont have to be great to make the playoffs, they dont even have to be good. They just have to be mediocre and win half their games. I think its hard to argue this team wont win half their games in that conference, but I appreciate your effort.

Comments (17) Add A Comment

October 23, 2007  01:23 PM ET
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DAMN YOU DWIGHT

October 23, 2007  01:28 PM ET
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hahaha...peavy, come on man, you can take on something a bit more challenging...this is going to be a tough TD. what you got Dwight!

October 23, 2007  01:35 PM ET
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boston is built for this year....they will make the playoffs...don't need depth when you have 3 all stars

October 23, 2007  01:38 PM ET
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I agree in the playoffs, not so sure about the regular season. PLUS it's their first year playing together. There's a lot of variables that could come into play.

October 23, 2007  01:43 PM ET
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I am an honest man. The Celtics will not win an NBA title.

October 23, 2007  01:44 PM ET
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they don't have to win the nba title abe...they have to just make the playoffs...pay attention

October 23, 2007  01:45 PM ET
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hahaha..."i'm an honest man he says" ha ha ha...
it's an easy one if it was about the NBA championship, much more interesting debate if it's about making the playoffs. GO RAPS!! We're going to the top baby, the top!

October 23, 2007  01:52 PM ET
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Playing in the Eastern Conference where teams can make it to the playoffs with a sub .500 record...my vote goes to Cincy.

October 23, 2007  02:01 PM ET
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With the success that all New England areas sports teams are having I think the Celtics will see the playoffs this year. If Tom Brady played point guard and Randy Moss would play center they would probably win an NBA title. If Big Papi and Manny Ramirez would play forward than we are talking Celtics dynasty!

October 23, 2007  02:10 PM ET
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God says "Boston, you've had too much success...the basketball team's gonna have to tank if I give the sox and patriots a championship"

hey...it's from the big guy himself...what can i say? ;)

October 23, 2007  02:11 PM ET
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At least they have to deal with the Bruins

October 23, 2007  02:13 PM ET
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well done WBCincy, i appreciate the way you lay out your arguments.

October 23, 2007  02:14 PM ET
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I forgot about the Bruins.....yeah...the Bruins....kinda sad, an original 6 team with tons of history!

October 23, 2007  02:26 PM ET
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The Celts will make the Playoffs, but won't win the Championship. The Knicks will make the Playoffs ahead of the Raptors.

October 23, 2007  04:47 PM ET
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You're right. I was just bored looking for something, plato.

Did ya see the Thrashers coach already got fired? 6 games lol

October 23, 2007  05:46 PM ET
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Almost everyone makes the NBA playoffs...

 
October 23, 2007  06:26 PM ET
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what up Peavy, yeah we'll see who's really bad tonight won't we! Did you see the Leafs game against Chicago? wow....brutal, just brutal

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