Play-off Projection

With two more months to go before the post-season, let's project the possible play-off match-up for the Celtics.

Below is the current seeding of each team in the East, and their W-L records,
__1. Boston 41 - 9
__2. Detroit 39 - 13
__3. Orlando 33 - 21
__4. Cleveland 29 - 23
__5. Toronto 28 - 23
__6. Washington 25 - 27
__7. New Jersey 23 - 30
__8. Philadelphia 23 - 30
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__9. Atlanta 21 - 28
_10.Chicago 21 - 31
_11.Indiana 21 - 32
_12.Milwaukee 19 - 34
_13.Charlotte 19 - 34
_14.New York 15 - 37
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_15.Miami 9 - 42

Celtics' first round match-up could be any team ranging from the Nets, currently No.7, to the Knicks, currently No.14. With several possible trade scenerios in working trying to beat the deadline, it could have major impact to number of teams (Nets, 76ers, Bulls, Knicks) and their chance for the last two play-off spots. The Hawks, currently No.9, have a very good chance to get in with the new addition of Mike Bibby.

The second round match-up will be very interesting in several aspects. Firstly, my projection is that the Cavaliers (currently No.4) will eventually overtake the Magics for the No.3 seeds. And if the Celtics can maintain their No.1 seed, they will have the advantage to avoid playing the Cavs and then the Pistons (currently No.2) in the next round, and take on a relatively weaker team instead.

Secondly, which relates to above, the Cavs currently has the best chance among the East to beat the Pistons in the play-off, as they have done it last year. I know that the Celtics like their chance too, but there is a number of uncertainty against them. One is the match-up with Chauncey Billups individually, and also with the Pistons' play-off experience. So, if the Celtics can maintain their lead over both teams and forcing them to face each other in the second round, there will be a chance for the Celtics to by-pass the Pistons all together. Even if the Pistons beat the Cavs, it should wear them down a little.

As a Celtics' fan, i will take that.