Boston Celtics ahead Jayson Tatum #0 hits a 3-pointer in the course of the second half at TD Backyard. (Matt Stone/Boston Herald)
The reality is, the Celtics do not want a lot for Christmas this 12 months. However that does not imply the wealthy cannot get a bit richer.
The Celtics have among the best data within the NBA. They’ve, statistically, the very best 5 starters within the league, and a second unit that has turn out to be deep and dependable. They’re on their technique to a first-place end within the playoffs and their greatest likelihood at successful the championship since 2008.
So, what might be on the Celtics’ Christmas want listing this 12 months?
1. Good well being for Porzingis, Horford
That is essential to the Celtics’ championship hopes, and it was beneath the microscope this week main as much as Christmas because the group rested Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford in an effort to make sure their long-term well being.
There isn’t a doubt that the Celtics are a greater group with Porzingis on the ground. They’d 5 starters with a plus/minus of 102 by 15 video games — second-best within the NBA — with a 14-1 file. He was an ideal match for Boston’s system. However the largest query mark with Porzingis has all the time been health-related, which confirmed up with the foot harm he suffered final summer time and now the calf pressure that has been bothering him for the previous month. The C’s should shield him in any respect prices all through the common season.
The 37-year-old Horford needs to be stored round as effectively. As nice as he was final season, he regressed on the finish of the playoffs. He is averaging 26.7 minutes per sport this season — about 4 fewer than final 12 months — in a brand new sixth-man function, and the Celtics proceed to relaxation their working backs.
2. Rediscovering the Tatum shot
The Celtics will get up Christmas morning hoping they’ll overcome Jayson Tatum’s hit, which has been a stranger to the beginning of the season.
By means of 26 video games, Tatum is taking pictures a career-low 34.5 % from 3-point vary, persevering with a downward pattern over the previous 4 seasons. Possibly his shot choice can enhance. He appears to accept too many three-pointers. Much more confused? Tatum’s free throw proportion is 79.5 % by 26 video games, down considerably from the 85.7 % he posted over the earlier three seasons.
3. A really large man
The Celtics do not actually have a dire want heading into the February commerce deadline, but when Porzingis and/or Horford go down, they’re clearly in a troublesome spot. May the Celtics profit from including one other large man for insurance coverage?
Luke Kornet has been serviceable as a backup, however he has his limitations. Identical with Neemias Koita, who has performed admirably in spot minutes on a two-way contract, and will actually find yourself changing that contract into a typical contract sooner or later this season. However the C’s could have the means to improve apart from the 6.2 million traded gamers created by the Grant Williams commerce. It is probably not ready for them beneath the Christmas tree on Monday, however it might find yourself being a belated vacation reward.
4. Benefit of native stadiums
The Celtics stay the one group remaining undefeated at house with a 14-0 file. The important thing, in fact, is sustaining that dominance at TD Backyard into the spring, the place they’ve gone 7-9 of their final 16 postseason video games. Whereas Joe Mazzola is not targeted on successful at house, his gamers take delight in creating a house benefit. Possibly they’ll get a present card that can give them first place within the Jap Convention.
5. Some additional All-Star tickets
Do not blame the Celtics in the event that they wish to get a bit grasping this offseason. And with All-Star voting underway, they’ve 4 gamers — Tatum, Porzingis, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White — who deserve an All-Star nod in Indianapolis. Tatum and Brown are apparent choices to make their fifth and third appearances, respectively.
Each Porzingis and White face challenges being named All-Stars in an Jap Convention that’s loaded with expertise, particularly White. His counting numbers do not leap off the web page, however his play is actually worthy of consideration. They will be hoping Santa feels a bit extra beneficiant and leaves some additional tickets to Indy within the Celtics’ stockings.
