NBA Power Rankings: Battle for seeding priority of OKC Thunder and peers

Boston is chock full of talent particularly in the backcourt and copious lengthy, switchable wing men. Yet, how deep the Celtics get in the postseason may very likely depend on their two big men – Al Horford and Aron Baynes.

Everyone is familiar with how well Horford has played Embiid, but Baynes from my perspective is who Boston will need to be healthy and who can make the greatest impact. Not in terms of raw statistics but his grit and defensive presence are equally important to the team as Marcus Smart’s is to the backcourt.

His season has been hampered by injury, so keep an eye to see if Brad Stevens errors on the side of caution by simply resting him as much as possible over the final 12 games.

Also of note, see the section on Raptors and injuries:  Much like last season Boston boasts a healthy 10-2 record without Kyrie Irving (although seven of those games were against unseeded squads).

Schedule particulars:

Tankathon rank for schedule strength of remaining games: 13th

Games Remaining: 12 | Home: 5 | Road: 7

• Versus top 10 offenses: three
• Versus top 10 defenses: six
• Games facing teams over .500: six
• Last 10 games: 5-5
• Back to back sets: two

Key Stats:

Offensive Rating: 8th (111.4)
Defensive Rating: 5th (106.3)
Net Differential: 3rd (+5.1)

43-27
Pace: 100.6 (16) OffRtg: 111.4 (8) DefRtg: 106.3 (5) NetRtg:+5.1 (3)

Record: 5th in EC
Home:  24-10 | Road:  17-16 | Back to back sets: 11
Versus the East: 28-13, | Versus the West: 13-13

Week 22, 2-1:  Won vs. Kings, Hawks, lost @Clippers
On tap for week 23: vs. Nuggets, @76ers, Hornets, Spurs