The NBA All-Star Game might have been an interminable slog with very limited basketball, but the All-Star break is zipping by. The Boston Celtics will be back on the floor Thursday night in Philadelphia, ready to tackle 27 games in 53 nights to finish the 2023-24 regular season.
Here are the six biggest questions we’ll be watching as the Celtics push through the second half of the season:
1. Will Celtics Elevate Their Play at Home Against Elite Opponents?
The Celtics boast a league-best 22-6 record on the road but have struggled at home with a 17-10 record. Home court advantage, a vital commodity in the playoffs, could be jeopardized if this doesn’t improve.
The Celtics’ next few home games feature matchups against elite competition:
- New York Knicks (February 23), offering a chance to separate themselves from the second and third seeds in the East.
- Cleveland Cavaliers (February 28), a pivotal clash with the current Eastern Conference leaders.
- Denver Nuggets (March 2), a rematch with a team missing Nikola Jokic in their previous meeting.
A promising home stand includes games against the Portland Blazers, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, and Oklahoma City Thunder. These high-profile opponents push the Celtics to peak performance, which is crucial for securing a playoff position.
Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
2. Will Jrue Holiday Show Signs of Resurgence?
Jrue Holiday’s recent struggles are evident, with a 34.2% shooting percentage from beyond the arc compared to his 42.9% mark last season. At 35 and nearing a potential Game 7, his age and previous fatigue could be factors.
Holiday’s importance cannot be understated, particularly on defense, where he has historically dominated. His reduced minutes (30.2 per game) this season, compared to previous years, might suggest a cautious approach by the Celtics to preserve his energy.
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3. Can the Celtics Claim the No. 1 Seed?
The Celtics trail the Cleveland Cavaliers by 5.5 games. Chasing the top spot could be necessary for home court in the East Finals, but is it worthwhile given their road/home performance discrepancies?
The top seed could also lead to a potentially tough first-round matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, who are pursuing the eighth seed. The second seed might mean facing the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, or Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs.
Given these factors, the Celtics may prioritize conserving energy for the playoffs rather than pushing for a top seed position.
4. Will Ownership Changes Be Resolved Before the Postseason?
Nine months after the Grousbeck family announced their intention to sell the Celtics, ownership remains uncertain. This uncertainty could become a distraction if it leaks into the public eye during the final push.
Despite this, the core players will likely remain focused on their ultimate goal: another championship. Management must handle negotiations carefully to avoid creating any distractions during the playoffs.
5. Will Any Celtics See a Surge in Award Considerations?
Payton Pritchard is the clear frontrunner for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Jayson Tatum appears to be building momentum for MVP consideration, and Jaylen Brown is eager to be recognized for his contributions.
While the team’s focus remains on collective success, individual accolades can still offer recognition for crucial performances. It remains to be seen how many Celtics will receive significant attention in the award race this season.
6. Can the Celtics Maximize Their Potential with a Healthy Top Nine?
The Celtics have rarely been fullyHealthy, yet their performance has not always been optimal when injuries are not a factor. The starting lineup, despite initial struggles, is finding its rhythm.
With the upcoming backdrop of high-stakes games, the Celtics faces an opportunity to refine their game plan and maximize each player’s potential. Ensuring that Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are firing on all cylinders will be critical.
Ultimately, the Celtics must understand their optimal lineup configuration
