With 12 games left in the regular season, the Boston Celtics have a stellar 51-19 record, good for second in the Eastern Conference. According to Tankathon, the Celtics have the fourth easiest remaining schedule. During this stretch, the Celtics will only play three playoff teams: the Memphis Grizzlies, the New York Knicks, and the Orlando Magic. Boston will also play the tanking Charlotte Hornets twice and the Washington Wizards once. This easy schedule has the possibility of both helping and hurting the Celtics. Let’s explore both of these possibilities and ultimately answer this question.
Celtics remaining schedule
3/23 @ Trail Blazers
3/24 @ Kings
3/26 @ Suns
3/29 @ Spurs
3/31 @ Grizzlies
4/2 vs Heat
4/4 vs Suns
4/6 vs Wizards
4/8 @ Knicks
4/9 @ Magic
4/11 vs Hornets
4/13 @ HornetsNeed to go 9-3 to get 60 wins
What will Boston’s final record be?— Eamon Cassels (@EamonCassels) March 22, 2025
Will the Celtics’ End of Season Schedule Help or Hurt Them?
How the Celtics’ Easy Schedule Could Help Them
With 12 games left, the Celtics only need to go 9-3 to secure their second-straight 60-win season, which could build further confidence and momentum heading into the playoffs. Additionally, the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers are on a four-game losing streak and have the 16th hardest remaining schedule. It’s possible, albeit unlikely, that the Celtics pass the Cavs and earn the top seed, having home-court advantage in a conference finals matchup with the Cavs would certainly benefit the Celtics. Despite the Cavs’ recent skid, making up a five-game difference with 12 games left in the season is very challenging, but the Celtics’ schedule could make it possible. Nevertheless, the Celtics seem secure as a two-seed, they are 7.5 games ahead of the three-seed Knicks.
Another benefit of the Celtics’ schedule and their mostly secure seeding is that they can rest players, ensuring everyone is healthy for the playoffs. Jaylen Brown is being re-evaluated on Monday with a knee injury and will likely rest for several games leading up to the playoffs. Kristaps Porziņģis will likely sit out for multiple games, especially toward the end of the season, given his extensive injury history, likewise for Al Horford, considering his age. Jayson Tatum, who notoriously hates sitting out, will also likely be forced to rest for at least a couple of games. Derrick White and Jrue Holiday will also likely sit out during this stretch, especially in the last few games.
While most of their games are against non-playoff teams, two of the Celtics’ games against playoff teams are against possible postseason opponents in the Knicks and Magic. It’s likely that the Celtics will play the Magic in the first round and the Knicks in the second round. Getting one last look against these two squads before the playoffs will help the Celtics.
How the Celtics’ Easy Schedule Could Hurt Them
The argument for the Celtics’ schedule hurting them is fairly straightforward. Having nine out of 12 final regular season games against non-playoff teams could get Boston used to playing lower-quality opponents. Once the playoffs start, there will be a significant change in opponent quality and intensity. These final 12 games won’t prepare the Celtics for this, and they could be caught off guard early.
However, it’s worth noting most teams are in cruise control at the end of the season. The Celtics’ championship experience also ensures they will be prepared for the playoffs.
The Last Word
Ultimately, having an easy end-of-season schedule has more benefits than harms for the Celtics. It will give them a chance to rest up and build further momentum in the win column. Having two of their three challenging games against possible playoff opponents is also a key benefit. Additionally, the Celtics’ midseason adversity will also benefit them come playoff time. The Celtics’ incredible talent and playoff experience negate any concerns about having a weak end-of-season schedule.
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