MEMPHIS — The Celtics have at least a couple data points finished when it comes to the standings, but they can still finish anywhere between Nos. 2-4 heading into their final game of the season. The shorthanded Bucks were blown out by the Cavs earlier Sunday while the Nets beat the Pacers.
There are now three potential scenarios as the Celtics head into their 7 p.m. game against the Grizzlies at FeDexForum to close out the season.
If the C’s beat Memphis, they’re locked in as the No. 2 seed in the East and will face the winner of the Nets vs. Cavs game Tuesday of the play-in tourney. If they lose, they could finish No. 3 and face the Bulls if the Sixers lose to the Pistons. But if the 76ers beat the Pistons and the C’s lose, they fall to No. 4 and face the Raptors. Another factor: Philadelphia is sitting both Joel Embiid and James Harden against Detroit.
As teams across the league are resting their starters, the C’s are set to be a full go Sunday as they take on the Grizzlies. Boston coach Ime Udoka said Al Horford has some back tightness, but otherwise, the regulars will play. It’s unclear yet how many minutes, though, as the seeding situation is still firmly up in the air.
“We looked at every scenario, what we kind of kind of concluded was: Let’s do what we do,” Udoka said pregame. “And helping, playing our best basketball is the main focus. And so with all the variables in the plan and teams behind us still jockeying, it’s hard to manipulate anything and so the main thing we said is physically be right, take care of our guys health-wise. And if that’s getting more minutes — or playing less — we can determine that.”
There are multiple pros and cons that come with each spot in the seedings. Most of the seeding discoursed has been about the Nets, who could be waiting for the C’s if they finish second. The Nets are finally starting to heat up, winning their final four games of the season, to nab the No. 7 spot in the East.
But that’s far from a guaranteed win in a do-or-die scenario. The Nets, of course, boast Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but anything can happen in a one-game sample size.
“That’s the thing, everybody’s talking about Brooklyn, but they have a play-in game to win,” Udoka said. “Certain teams can run from certain teams and end up that team not even be in there, so we’ll do what we do and kind of let chips fall where they may.”
NBA Playoffs 2022: How Celtics will play against Grizzlies with seeding still on the line - MassLive.com
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