Zolak & Bertrand: Celtics Better Off Making Or Missing Playoffs?
BOSTON (CBS) - After dropping a 119-106 game to the Los Angeles Clippers Sunday, which put them out of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics find themselves in an important three-game stretch against potential playoff teams in the East this week.
98.5 The Sports Hub's Zolak & Bertrand discussed whether making or missing the playoffs would be better for the team going forward.
"I can tell you as a fan, I want them in [the playoffs]. That's easy," said Marc Bertrand.
The 32-41 Celtics are currently a half game behind Brooklyn for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East, but are tied with the Indiana Pacers and only a half game ahead of the Charlotte Hornets, who host the Celtics Monday night. After Charlotte, the Celtics host the Pacers Wednesday and end the week against the current No. 6 seed Milwaukee Bucks on Friday.
"They've got energy, they're fun to watch, I love the coach, and it's something to root for right now. How could you ever say you hope they don't get in?" said Zolak.
Bertrand cited recent comments from Celtics president Danny Ainge to the Boston Herald on being the eighth seed: "It's not my objective to be an eighth seed in the playoffs. My objective is to win championships, and we're a long way from that."
With nine games remaining, the Celtics would most likely matchup with No. 1 seeded Atlanta or No. 2 seeded Cleveland in the first round should they make the playoffs. Alternatively, a missed playoffs would result in a better pick in the upcoming 2015 draft.
Listen below for the full conversation: