Standings update: Celtics prepare for potential playoff matchups

We’re twelve days away from the start of the playoffs, and the Boston Celtics continue to press on despite a slew of injuries to key contributors. After a 4-0 week, the Celtics currently sit at 53-23, just two games back of the first place Toronto Raptors. With six games remaining, and one in Toronto, jumping into first is suddenly a very real possibility.

Here is the current playoff picture as of today:

Regardless of whether or not they finish #1 or #2 in the East, the Celtics have their shortlist of potential opponents. At the moment, it appears Boston will be facing either the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, or Washington Wizards.

After clinching a playoff berth two days ago on the return of John Wall, the Washington Wizards are the 6th seed at the moment. Their remaining schedule includes road games in Houston and Cleveland, so it’s possible that they could slide to 7th. With Wall back for the Wiz, Washington would be a dangerous and motivated first round opponent after last spring’s seven game series with the Celtics.

The Miami Heat currently sit in 7th at 41-36 and have 5 games left, three of which come against the tanking Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks. Miami has an identical record with Milwaukee, but hold the tiebreaker after sweeping the Bucks this season. Boston heads to Milwaukee tomorrow night with a shot at hindering the Bucks chances of moving up in the standings. In doing so, they could move a step closer to that No. 1 seed, which could then potentially set them up for a first round series against the Bucks.

The Bucks, Heat, and Wizards still need to play a combined 15 games, while the Celtics have 6 left of their own. After a two game road trip to Milwaukee and Toronto, they return home against the Bulls and Hawks, travel for a potential playoff preview in DC, and then close out the season against our old friends, the Brooklyn Nets.

So which opponent would you prefer? A Washington team that has struggled down the stretch, but is getting back a healthy John Wall? A well-coached Heat squad that went 2-1 against the Celtics this season? Or a Bucks squad led by Giannis Antetokounmpo? What say you?