Anybody could make predictions after which conveniently neglect about them the minute the season begins. We right here at CelticsBlog are courageous sufficient to carry ourselves accountable for the evaluation that we do right here. Or possibly we identical to to chortle at ourselves and poke enjoyable at one another. Both manner, right here’s a glance again at our preseason predictions with commentary now that we all know the common season outcomes.
See all of our preseason predictions right here.
Keith Smith
I really feel fairly good about my prognostication talents! I missed the Celtics document by one sport they usually completed second within the Japanese Convention. I used to be additionally flawed in regards to the rebounding, as Boston completed as the most effective defensive rebounding workforce within the sport.
On the proper aspect, the massive rotation has been in flux a lot of the 12 months. Joe Mazzulla’s inexperience did present up at occasions. And so they did run the primary guys plenty of minutes within the common season.
Largely, I be ok with every little thing else. Boston’s depth is superior. The celebs are nearer to superstars then common stars. And so they’re going to win Banner 18.
Andrew Doxy
I nailed the document. I assumed 57-25 could be good for first within the convention, however that was the one minor element I did get flawed. The Bucks have been up by 1.0 sport within the standings with yet another win, so the Celtics should accept homecourt benefit in each sequence besides the ECF. I’m exceedingly optimistic that that received’t matter. My prediction of profitable the championship stands (although it’s a little iffy if the Clippers shall be on the opposite aspect). You all ought to take heed to me as a result of I acquired the document proper. Put together a bottle of your best champagne.
Trevor Hass
I be ok with my 54-28 prediction. No regrets there. I assumed anyplace between 50-60 was potential and went with someplace within the center. I additionally accurately known as that the Celtics would get the No. 2 seed. I figured the Bucks would in all probability be a bit extra constant within the common season, however I nonetheless just like the Celtics’ probabilities if (when) they meet within the playoffs.
Adam Taylor
With every little thing the Celtics had stacked towards them to begin the season, I opted to be conservative and predict a 48-50 win season. Suffice to say, I used to be fortunately flawed right here, and the Celtics ended up nearer to 60.
Dropping management of the primary seed was actually unlucky, however this workforce, minus some upgrades, made it to the NBA Finals final season from the identical beginning place. So, I’m selecting to maintain the religion with them doing it once more this 12 months. It received’t be straightforward, however we’ve seen the Celtics overcome adversity a number of occasions this 12 months.
The East runs via Boston, convey on the Bucks!
Harris Rubenstein
I used to be somewhat bit overzealous with my common season win prediction. I assumed they have been going to crack 60 wins and get the #1 seed, however I feel with the rookie coach and the Jaylen Brown accidents, they missed out by a couple of video games. I used to be positively proper about the remainder of the East although. I wasn’t bought on Miami or Atlanta as affect groups this season and whereas Philly has been good, they nonetheless don’t fairly really feel like they’re on the identical degree as BOS or MIL. Playoffs would be the final decider, after all.
Mike Dynon
What I acquired (barely) flawed was the variety of wins. Final summer season the Cs have been a assured 60-win squad, till they have been blindsided by dangerous issues occurring in threes: the Udoka fiasco, Gallinari harm and Rob Williams surgical procedure. So I performed it secure, predicting 55 wins and no worse than second seed within the East. Regardless of the tough patch after the All-Star break, Boston completed sturdy (profitable 12 of their final 16) to achieve 57 Ws.
What I acquired proper was that the preseason turmoil didn’t deter the Celtics from being a minimum of the quantity two seed. Sure, they missed the highest document by one sport after no-showing at Houston and Washington, however actually it was extra as a result of the Bucks had a 16-game win streak down the stretch. In any occasion, now comes the necessary half, which I forecast would finish with a parade. And for the reason that Cs have been an NBA-best 33-15 vs. groups .500 and above, there’s no cause to alter that prediction.
Daniel Poarch
Estimating 51-52 wins proved to be quite conservative. I assumed that the Ime Udoka turmoil, harm considerations across the roster and the excessive probability of gamers like Al Horford receiving frequent relaxation would result in a barely slower common season for the Celtics. Accidents and relaxation days have actually been an element, however by and enormous, this was a way more fruitful common season than I anticipated (even when it didn’t all the time look as dominant as their second half kind final season).
What I acquired proper, nevertheless, was the assertion that this is likely one of the two or three most gifted groups within the NBA. Every part we’ve seen from this workforce and from others across the league suggests that’s completely appropriate, and ending with the second-best document in basketball confirms as a lot. The final – and most vital – a part of the prediction stays to be seen: will the Celtics return to yet one more Japanese Convention Finals with an excellent Philadelphia 76ers workforce seemingly looming within the second spherical?
Invoice Sy
In my schedule prediction again in mid-August, I had the Celtics pegged at 59 wins and doubtlessly reaching the celebs at 60. That was earlier than Joe Mazzulla changed Ime Udoka, Rob Williams had a subsequent surgical procedure proper earlier than coaching camp, and Danilo Gallinari was misplaced for the season after tearing his ACL in worldwide play. Contemplating how the season began earlier than it truly began, 57 wins ain’t dangerous.
Regardless of that inauspicious summer season, there are such a lot of issues that I couldn’t have predicted. I knew Malcolm Brogdon was good, however not sixth Man of the 12 months good. I’d have by no means anticipated the increase in three-point taking pictures and defensive affect from Derrick White. And would have thought that Sam Hauser, Blake Griffin, and Luke Kornet would have such a optimistic have an effect on so deep within the rotation?
Jeff Clark
I picked them for 2nd within the East so I acquired that proper. I hedged on who could be forward of them however I knew it will be the Bucks or Sixers. 53 wins was a bit low, however in about the precise vary. The most important factor I acquired flawed was “It might take a while to gel below Mazzulla.” It didn’t take a while to gel below Mazzulla. They simply determined to coast for a month or two later within the 12 months. However hey, a minimum of they completed fairly sturdy and head into the playoffs on an upswing. Now on to fulfilling my largest prediction. One other banner.
