After Wednesday’s victory over the San Antonio Spurs, the Boston Celtics are now officially halfway through the 2023-24 NBA season. Currently sitting at 32-9, the Celtics are four games ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Furthermore, the Celtics own the best record in the NBA by 2.5 games ahead of the 30-11 Minnesota Timberwolves. As it is, Boston is playing some of their best basketball in years and is in a prime position to raise another banner. With the NBA trade deadline and All-Star break approaching, what are some stories to follow for the Boston Celtics? Could the team bring in other players for an NBA Finals push? And what are some position battles to watch out for?<\/p>\n
This year’s trade deadline is February 8, eight days before All-Star Weekend. Despite the Celtics currently owning the best record in the NBA, they may still be in the trade market<\/a>. Recently, GM Brad Stevens said he is looking for a “big wing” ahead of the deadline. However, the Celtics have very little financial flexibility and a lack of “trade resources<\/a>” to make a big splash. Even so, Stevens has a $6.2 million TPE from the Grant Williams<\/a><\/strong> sign-and-trade. A few NBA players are floating around in rumors<\/a> which may intrigue the Celtics, and it should be interesting to see if Stevens makes a deal for any of them.<\/p>\n The battle between Luke Kornet<\/a><\/strong> and Neemias Queta<\/a><\/strong> has been interesting this season. As it stands, Kornet has gotten more of an opportunity this season than Queta has. So far, Kornet has appeared in 28 games, 13 more than Queta. Plus, Kornet has started two games, while Queta has not started any. Statistically, the two big men are comparable. Kornet averages 4.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks over 14.8 minutes per game. Queta averages 4.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks over 13.5 minutes per game.<\/p>\n "The strength of the team is regardless of who's out, we play at a certain level."<\/p>\n Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta were among those who stepped up against the Spurs and their rookie phenom Wednesday night, helping to push our home record to 20-0.https:\/\/t.co\/UT8BHMuG9l<\/a><\/p>\n — Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 18, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nBackup Center Battle<\/h3>\n
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