Mannix is not worried about the Celtics’ championship chances, even after their loss to the Nuggets

The Boston Celtics currently hold the top spot in the Eastern Conference with an impressive 33-10 record, the best in the league. Despite facing tough opponents earlier in the season, their remaining schedule is considered the easiest in the league. Recent additions, Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday have had a positive impact on the team that fell to the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals.

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According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, the Celtics are currently among the strongest teams in the Eastern Conference. However, Mannix believes that their real test will come in the Finals against teams like the Denver Nuggets or the LA Clippers, which will pose significant challenges in the postseason.

In a recent matchup against the reigning champion Nuggets, the Celtics had a closely contested game at TD Garden, ending their 20-game home win streak with a 102-100 loss. Despite a solid performance from the Celtics, they struggled to contain Nikola Jokic, who nearly recorded a 30-point triple-double. Mannix emphasized the difficulty of beating elite teams like the Nuggets or the Clippers in a Finals series.

Mannix expressed confidence in the Celtics despite their recent loss to Denver, stating that he usually tends to have a pessimistic outlook but currently has no concerns about the team. He praised the impact of Kristaps Porzingis, highlighting the positive contributions and improvements from various players, including Jaylen Brown’s continued dedication after signing a significant contract.

Since joining the team in the offseason, Porzingis has proven to be an All-Star caliber player, consistently making a difference for the Celtics. Despite a career-low usage rate of 23.4 percent due to sharing the floor with a talented roster, Porzingis is putting up impressive numbers, averaging 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game on a career-best 52.5 percent shooting.

The Celtics’ depth, initially considered a weakness, has become a consistent strength this season, notably with the performances of Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser. Pritchard, who struggled to find his role since being drafted in 2021, has shown significant improvement, achieving career-highs in various statistical categories, including 7.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game while being the only Celtic to play in every game this season.

Hauser has excelled this season, stepping into the role of Boston’s primary perimeter threat off the bench. Demonstrating career-best performances in various aspects, the third-year small forward is averaging 8.2 points, with an impressive 40.4 percent three-point shooting rate, along with 3.7 rebounds and an assist in 21.9 minutes per game.

Derrick White’s development has been a significant positive for the team. Acquired from the San Antonio Spurs in a trade involving Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford, and a first-round pick at the 2022 deadline, White has capitalised on his starting opportunity in Boston. Experiencing substantial statistical growth from the previous season, the 29-year-old is now considered an All-Star contender, boasting averages of 16.2 points, 4.9 assists, 4.1 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game.

Mannix expressed some concern about the team’s depth, particularly regarding the seventh or eighth man off the bench, but overall, he is confident about the Celtics heading into the second half of the season, placing their trust in a starting lineup featuring Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White. Al Horford typically serves as the sixth man.

While Hauser and Pritchard usually occupy the seventh and eighth spots off the bench, there is a possibility of the Celtics exploring trade options to strengthen their bench depth. Names like Luke Kornet, Oshae Brissett, Svi Mykhailiuk, Dalano Banton, and Lamar Stevens could be part of trade talks, aligning with previous reports suggesting the Celtics might pursue minor deals before the deadline.

The Celtics will have an opportunity to face the Nuggets again, potentially providing a preview of the NBA Finals, on March 7 in Denver.