As the Celtics begin their season on Wednesday, they do so with lower external expectations than in recent seasons.
Of course, the internal goal remains the same, but many experts feel they are achieving this ultimate goal.
With the loss of the persistent knee challenge of Gordon Hayward and Kemba Walker as contributing factors, the consensus among bettors is that they have the third chance of reaching the final and the fifth chance of winning the NBA championship.
One site, however, is much more positive about its potential: FiveThirtyEight believes Boston is the time when the top team is likely to win everything (17% chance), only the protective champion Los Angeles Lakers (21%).
That puts them ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks (12%) and the Los Angeles Clippers (12%), in addition to everyone else in the league.
FiveThirtyEight predicts the Celtics will finish 47-25, even with the Bucks. He says Boston has a 98% chance of a place in the playoffs and a 32% chance of qualifying for the final.
– FiveThirtyEight (@FiveThirtyEight) December 22, 2020
The Celtics’ first five games deserve to be revealing when facing the Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers twice and Memphis Grizzlies.
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