The Boston Celtics have fallen to the Hornets in a last second heart-breaker. After experiencing opinions in the chat, I was left wondering what the Celtics are really capable of this season. Bias put aside, the Celtics certainly a playoff team that have aspirations to become a title contender. For all of those that have dealt with the miserable years before the new big 3 era, just making the playoffs is satisfying. However, the expectations for this team appears to be much higher. Despite the losses of PF Jared Sullinger and PG Rajon Rondo, the C's remain with high expectations from fans. These two players were arguably their best rebounder and their best overall player. Whether Rondo's attitude hurts the team, or not, is an argument for a different day. One thing that cannot be disputed is that Rondo is a top player at his position, in the NBA. To fill the voids of these two players, the Celtics have signed forwards DJ White and Shavlik Randolph, along with guard Terrence Williams. Yes, I know they got Crawford, but they brought him in to off-set the loss of Barbosa. Jason Collins was lost in the trade to WSH, but he will be off-set by the eventual bring up of C Fab Melo. Both will have experienced the joy of being bench warmers.

Just to start off on a quick note, for all of those that expect Jeff Green to be consistently scoring 20 PPG need to remember that he is still coming off of heart surgery. The consistency part may have to wait until next season. Continuing with this, the Celtics season has more than its ups and downs thus far. Despite the injuries, the Celtics have been capable of gaining victories against top competition, OKC and MIA. This same team also finds ways to lose to the likes of DET, CHA, and NO. Immediately after these losses, it is easy for us to say the season is over. Then after one of the great victories, our heart tells us they are truly title contenders. So which are they? Is this team that has far too many turnovers and far too few rebounds really a title contender? Surely, these two liabilities can be decreased in the postseason, but I doubt that they will be completely stopped. I'm not going to question a title winning coach, but how can Crawford play as many minutes as he does and Terrence Williams doesn't sniff the floor? The Celtics seem to sometimes lack ball handling skills and Terrence is one of the best at it on the squad.

Now I'm not saying the season is all but lost, as crazier things have happened in the playoffs. Lets look at the positives: anybody remember when the Mavericks won with JET and were a 6th seed (I Believe)? Once into the postseason, anything can happen. Having the likes of KG and Pierce can gives us hope for the same with the Celtics. However, father-time seems to catch up with KG at times and Jason Terry hasn't panned out like all has hoped. Despite this, the Celtics are still a top tier defensive team and can score in bunches IF they attack the rim and run the floor. The postseason is quickly coming upon is and we have to begin to question if this team can have enough answers for some of their problems.

In conclusion, if any team can push Miami in the east, I would bet it being the Celtics. Also, if LeBron James could beat any team in the postseason, he would probably no rather it be against a team with Jason Terry on it.