So apparently we CAN end up with the #4 seed?

[droopdog7]

One of the things I have heard mentioned here several times is the idea that the Celts are guaranteed no lower than the #3 seed by virtue of winning their division. I have since heard that division winners are only guaranteed one of the top four seeds and that yes, we can actually fall below Atl in the playoff seedings. Can anyone confirm (or deny) that the latter is true?

[vinnie]

Yes. Celtics can win the Atlantic Division and still get the 4 seed if their record is not third best in the conference. Fourth is the lowest they can get if they win the division.

[Redz]

yep, that's the deal

http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Cnf.html

Teams 1 to 4 in each conference are the three division winners and the team with the next best regular-season record, with the seeding of these four teams determined by regular-season record. The playoffs seedings of Teams 5 to 8 are based upon regular-season record. Ties are broken pursuant to the rules set forth below.

[PosImpos]

The Celtics need the 3rd seed.  They have a really solid chance of losing in the first round if they drop to 4th.  I don't like the way the C's match up with the Bucks, and it looks like the Bucks are gonna hold on to number 5.

On the upside, the Celtics get to "practice" against the Bucks another couple times before the season is over, and they also have what should be a relatively easy schedule the rest of the way.  You can never be sure with this year's team, though.

[vinnie]

Don't thnk the schedule is so easy. Twenty games left and all of the following are not easy: Cleveland at home and at Cleveland; at, Houston, at Dallas, at Utah, Denver at home, OKC at home, San Antonio at home, Memphis at home, and home and at Milwaukee. By my count, that is 11 challenging games. 

[tomatolander]

Don't thnk the schedule is so easy. Twenty games left and all of the following are not easy: Cleveland at home and at Cleveland; at, Houston, at Dallas, at Utah, Denver at home, OKC at home, San Antonio at home, Memphis at home, and home and at Milwaukee. By my count, that is 11 challenging games. 

Given how the Celtics are struggling right now, no game on schedule is considered to be easy.
20 challenging games, except if the seeding is set when we play the last 1 or 2 games on 13th and 14th Apr.

This could be a 50-52 win season for the Celtics if they continue to play .500 basketball for the rest of the schedule.

[slamtheking]

Don't thnk the schedule is so easy. Twenty games left and all of the following are not easy: Cleveland at home and at Cleveland; at, Houston, at Dallas, at Utah, Denver at home, OKC at home, San Antonio at home, Memphis at home, and home and at Milwaukee. By my count, that is 11 challenging games. 

After losing to the Nets and still showing a complete lack of consistancy in the games since then, every game has to be considered up for grabs. 

The C's could wind up anywhere from the #2 seed in the East with the 3rd best record in the league (extremely unlikely Cle or Lakers lose enough games for the C's to catch them even under the best of circumstances) or the #4 seed in the East with the 10th best record in the league where they give up home court not only to the prime contenders in the East but to just about anyone in the West should anyone pull a surprise upset of the Lakers. 

The only positive spin on the lower standings is getting a better pick in June (should they not win the title).  A very small consolation.

[Cman]

Don't thnk the schedule is so easy. Twenty games left and all of the following are not easy: Cleveland at home and at Cleveland; at, Houston, at Dallas, at Utah, Denver at home, OKC at home, San Antonio at home, Memphis at home, and home and at Milwaukee. By my count, that is 11 challenging games. 

Wow, who would've thought Memphis would give us trouble, at home, no less?

[slamtheking]

Don't thnk the schedule is so easy. Twenty games left and all of the following are not easy: Cleveland at home and at Cleveland; at, Houston, at Dallas, at Utah, Denver at home, OKC at home, San Antonio at home, Memphis at home, and home and at Milwaukee. By my count, that is 11 challenging games. 

Everyone gives them trouble at home.  We're not in any position to assume a game at home against any team is a sure win.  "Should/Likely" win, sure.  "Definite" win, nope.

Wow, who would've thought Memphis would give us trouble, at home, no less?