We have been ranking the most formidable opponents the Boston Celtics can expect to face in the Eastern Conference next season. After all, if the Celtics want to repeat as champions, they will have to first take care of business in the East.
Ahead of punching their ticket to the finals this spring, the Celtics first squared off with the Indiana Pacers in the conference finals, eventually winning 4-0. Indiana was one of the offensive powerhouses last year, and a team with lots of upside. And indeed, despite falling in a four-game sweep, the Pacers gave Boston a good fight. That said, they may have overachieved, and after a relatively quiet offseason, it’s unclear if they have kept up with the rest of the conference. Until proven otherwise, Indiana doesn’t look like they really have what it takes to compete with the Celtics, even if the two teams clash again in the postseason.
The Pacers are the No. 7 most formidable team in the East for Boston. Here’s why.