The Boston Celtics have held the best record in the NBA since Dec. 23.

At 43-17, the Celtics currently have a one-game lead over the Milwaukee Bucks for the No.1 seed in the Eastern Conference. With 22 games remaining in the regular season, playoff seeding is important for teams to start thinking about, as Joe Mazzulla mentioned last week.

“I think you definitely put a value on trying to get the No. 1 seed.”

If the Celtics solidify the No. 1 seed, this’ll likely be the path that follows against the No. 8 seed:

Brooklyn, Atlanta, Washington, Chicago.

If the Celtics solidify the No. 2 seed, this’ll likely be the path that follows against the No. 7 seed:

New York, Miami, Brooklyn, Atlanta. 

There’s a chance to see Indiana make a late run in the second half, as I can see them working towards the eight-seed in the playoffs, most likely through the play-in tournament.

In a perfect world, avoiding the heavy hitters in the conference in the first round is most ideal. Seeing Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Philly go through the thick of it in the first round would be best.

I really believe the #Pacers will make the play-in tournament. I think the #Nets will drop while the #Heat and #Knicks rise. #Hawks will stay in the 7-8 spot. #Bucks is the biggest wildcard, if Giannis misses significant time, there’s room for #76ers to leap them before playoffs pic.twitter.com/8zD0L52Xii

— The Celtics Files (@CelticsFiles) February 25, 2023

Boston has held the top spot in the conference for two months now. It’s not crazy to think they’ll hang on to it for the remaining 22 games of the regular season.

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Photo Credit: Brian Babineau, NBAE Getty Images