Which teams will round out Eastern Conference Playoffs picture?

Boston Celtics 

Offensive Rating: No. 25 (100.6)
Defensive Rating No. 2 (97.9)

The Boston Celtics won 45 games last season and are on pace for about the same this year. But this is a team that can be a defensive nightmare. And defense is instrumental in the postseason.

It is getting there that could be Boston’s toughest challenge.

The Celtics go-to offensive weapon is their smallest player, point guard Isaiah Thomas. Thomas came late season last year in a trade, and he has thrived as Boston’s leading scorer. He is averaging 20.7 points and 6.8 assists while being the only Celtic to post a PER better than 20 (20.8).

Boston is also a team cut much in the same mold as Orlando: a strong defensive backcourt that is keyed by a nice three-guard rotation of Thomas, Avery Bradley and sophomore Marcus Smart.

Bradley, for his part, has also stepped up his offensive production, averaging 14.7 points per game while finally proving to be an accurate 3-point shooter to the tune of 38.2 percent this season. Boston also benefits from the hard-nosed play of Jae Crowder, a defensive specialist still capable of scoring through hustle and strength around the basket.

Boston may not be a contender, but it is very much a threat to knock off a tougher team in the first round. The Celtics have a talent level similar to Orlando’s and are coached by a mastermind in Brad Stevens.

It is hard to imagine them whiffing on making the postseason, but all of these teams on the cusp are one key injury away from being in the lottery essentially. That said, if Boston keeps its main three guards healthy, it has enough depth and defensive talent to be a force.

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