The Boston Celtics are off to an incredible start with a league-best 20-5 record. As a result, the consensus among the NBA community is that the Celtics are favorites in the Eastern Conference and likely outright title favorites. DraftKings lists the Celtics as the odds-on title favorites. However, three teams in the East could challenge the Celtics. Let’s analyze these teams and find out which one is Boston’s biggest threat.
The Boston Celtics’ Biggest Threats in the Eastern Conference Ranked
3. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers are off to a hot start this season with an 18-7 record and are currently on a six-game win streak. Philadelphia is seemingly a better and more well-rounded team without James Harden. As a result of more opportunity, Tyrese Maxey has had a breakout season and proved to be an ideal co-star next to Joel Embiid. After winning MVP last season Embiid has gotten even better, averaging a career-best 34 PPG and 6 APG. The 76ers are also filled with a plethora of high-IQ and defensive-minded role players. New head coach Nick Nurse has transformed Philly’s offense with an increased focus on ball movement.
All these factors give me more confidence in the 76ers compared to years past. However, the Celtics’ long history of success against the 76ers in playoffs knocks Philly’s case as the biggest threat to Boston. The 76ers are another creator or star-level talent away from truly challenging Boston in the playoffs, especially given the Celtics’ absurd star power and elite play on both ends of the floor. The 76ers upgrading their roster remains a possibility at the trade deadline, especially when considering Philadelphia’s cap space and tradable assets. Additionally, the 76ers have a 6-7 record against teams above .500 whereas the Celtics have a league-best 13-4 record. This stat further hurts the 76ers’ case against the Celtics. Ultimately, unless the 76ers make another move, I can’t rank them any higher.
2. Milwaukee Bucks
The Damian Lillard addition hasn’t been perfect, and there was certainly an adjustment period early in the season. Nevertheless, the Bucks are currently the no. 2 seed in the conference with an 18-7 record and clear contenders. Recently, the Bucks have found their groove, posting an 8-2 record in their last 10 games. The biggest change has been Milwaukee finding its offensive identity. They now rank 3rd league on offense with a 121 offensive rating. The perimeter threat of Lillard combined with the elite interior play of Giannis Antetokounmpo makes the Bucks a challenging matchup.
However, the balance of the Celtics’ roster and their elite wing play give them the upper hand. Boston’s ability to win games in every possible style is unmatched and something the Bucks have yet to prove they are capable of. The Celtics’ best two players, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, are elite wings. Milwaukee’s 19th-ranked defense is a clear weak point, and guarding wings is particularly challenging for the Bucks. Furthermore, no team has matched up with Giannis and the Bucks better than the Celtics over the past five years. Ultimately, outside of Giannis being a historically dominant two-way player, the Celtics have every advantage against the Bucks.
1. Miami Heat
It’s easy to forget about the Heat just looking at the standings. Miami is currently 5th in the East with a respectable 15-11 record. Some might argue this record combined with some key off-season losses would justify dropping the Heat on these rankings. However, I am here to remind you that Miami is a great playoff team that commands respect, especially against the Celtics. Between their versatile defense led by Bam Adebayo and brilliant coaching from Erik Spoelstra, Miami perfectly exposes the Celtics’ weaknesses. Miami knows how to make the Celtics uncomfortable and forces them to play the opposite of their style.
Furthermore, let’s not forget how incredible of playoff performer Jimmy Butler is and how Miami’s role players catch fire from beyond the arc in the playoffs. These factors have helped the Heat pull off upset wins against the Celtics in 2020 and 2023. The Heat also nearly upset Boston in the 2022 conference finals, forcing a game seven and ultimately losing by just four points. The additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday certainly help the Celtics and better prepare them for the Heat.
Nevertheless, the Heat deserve this top ranking and project to be the Celtics’ most difficult matchup. Sure, Miami doesn’t have the talent level or regular season resume of the Bucks or 76ers. But let’s not forget what this team is capable of in the playoffs. Similarly, I haven’t seen enough from Milwaukee or Philadelphia to justify moving them ahead of the Heat. It’s also important to note Miami has tradable assets to move at the deadline, which could make them a true nightmare in the playoffs.
