CNN analysis and ranking - Celtics #8 but with tough schedule looming

[MikeB12]

Here is CNN Bleacher report on Celtics so far...moved up 2 spots to 8th

Unless all of the execution and effort issues Jae Crowder harps on every other game are gone, and unless the Boston Celtics are fully recovered after an early season marred by injuries, you might not want to get used to them ranking this high.

That's not to say Boston is playing above its head.

Moving Jonas Jerebko into the first unit has unlocked spacing and better defensive versatility, and we've seen the occasional glimpse of the lockdown perimeter suffocation this group—led by Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley—showed all last season.

Unfortunately for Boston, Isaiah Thomas is dealing with a groin injury. He's been the late-game closer, and the Celtics will desperately need him as the schedule toughens up. According to CSN's A. Sherrod Blakely, the green's remaining opponents in December have a combined winning percentage of .591.

Tough times are on the horizon. Good thing Boston banked some wins during a 3-1 week.