The Boston Celtics are first in the NBA with a 24-10 record after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks on Christmas Day in Boston. If history repeats itself, the Celtics will land in the NBA Finals and raise Banner 18 when it’s all said and done.

Here is an updated visual overview of the Eastern Conference standings heading into final games of the calendar year.

Although the Celtics have the best record in the league, the East is starting to get tight near the top, as Cleveland and Brooklyn are ascending at the right time of year.

It sounds cliche, but every game matters. The Celtics did a good job of winning many games to start the year, but they need to continue to do so while avoiding the “rut” games and win the games they’re supposed to. That means not dropping two games in a row to teams like the Magic.

Regardless, Boston is in a great position at this point in the season. It’s vital for them to fix the minimal issues they have and continue thriving through the season.

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Photo Credit: The Boston Globe