In the aftermath of a jam-packed basketball weekend where the Celtics secured dominant victories on Friday night and Sunday afternoon, the NBA landscape awoke on Monday morning abuzz with the resurgence of Jayson Tatum.
Tatum has suited up for two games since his return to Boston, contributing 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists in a commanding 20-point triumph over the Mavericks at home, followed by a 20-point performance in a decisive win against the surging Cavaliers in Cleveland.
He might not yet be operating at the peak Jayson Tatum form we’re accustomed to, but he’s remarkably close, with another 18 regular-season games ahead to fully ramp up before what promises to be an extended playoff campaign.
On the most recent episode of the Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Tim McMahon, and Tim Bontemps showered praise on Tatum’s comeback and his immediate impact. Bontemps kicked things off with a straightforward declaration: this weekend has solidified the Celtics as the unequivocal favorites in the Eastern Conference, provided Tatum remains healthy and on the floor.
Windhorst and McMahon echoed Bontemps’ sentiments, delving into how the Celtics have been perennial contenders all season. Reintegrating Tatum elevates them to a stratosphere that no other Eastern team can match at this juncture.
At first glance, hearing such proclamations from esteemed national media figures might seem hyperbolic. After all, the Hoop Collective isn’t known for sensationalism like First Take—these are measured, respected analyses.
Yet, despite the recency of just two games, Bontemps’ assertion isn’t some fiery hot take—it’s simply stating the obvious. The Celtics were already excelling without Tatum, and his presence is palpably pushing them to new heights, with untapped potential still waiting to be unlocked.
Boston now stands at 43-21, securing second place in the East and trailing a faltering, inexperienced Pistons squad by a mere 2.5 games. They’ve also pulled ahead of the Knicks and Cavaliers, both grappling with their own uncertainties.
Surveying the Eastern Conference terrain, it’s undeniable: no team rivals the Celtics in roster depth, coaching prowess, proven stars, or the battle-tested playoff experience and championship pedigree.
The betting markets corroborate this reality. As of Monday afternoon, DraftKings lists the Celtics as +170 favorites to emerge from the East in the Finals—far surpassing the Cavaliers (+340), Pistons (+425), and Knicks (+450). This only reinforces that Bontemps’ “warning” to the league is no longer up for debate; it’s consensus, plain and simple.
Apologies to the rest of the Eastern Conference, but what once appeared as a competitive scramble has decisively swung back in Boston’s favor. The Celtics are the undisputed frontrunners to reach the Finals yet again.