Stein has Celtics Ranked 6th in Today's Power Ranking

[saltlover]

And a little room to move up -- at least past Toronto. 

Surprising parity (mediocrity) this year leaves the C's either in position for a fun non-championship run, OR, a big trade for a star to perhaps move in or near the real contenders.

I think we have the potential to make the finals as is, without a roster move, but not win a championship. No one in the Eastern Conference scares me, including the Cavs. Although I may eat my words when Irving comes back.

I think we'd need an injury to one if LeBron, Kyrie, or Love to beat the Cavs in a 7 game series.  I don't think we'd get swept this year even if they're healthy, however.  And if we can get the 2nd or 3rd seed, we can avoid them until the conference finals, it gives them more opportunities to get hurt before playing us, so that's useful.

In my opinion, if you're a top 2 seed in your conference, you're a title contender.  Two rounds with homecourt advantage is valuable, and if the top seed goes down, you could get homecourt for the conference finals too.  The Celtics aren't there yet, of course.  A lot can happen between now and the end of the year, and there's no reason to be convinced they'd get the number 2 seed.  But they are solidly in the next group of 6-8 teams below the top 3 of Golden State, San Antonio, and Cleveland, with as good a chance as any to crack into that top tier.