1. Our odds in FA are better if we get the 3rd seed than if we get the 6th seed, and they are better if we get to round 2 than if we don't.
2. Okay, but
3. There is a much lower chance that the loss will mean nothing for the C's, as we are competing with three teams for seeding vs. just one for the Suns
4. 1%=4% divided by two because of the tiebreak, divided by two again because there's a good chance that the game makes no difference at all.
Well, you have to apply your same probability logic to the FA argument as well.
Odds that a loss impacts standings * odds that a lower seeding impacts our ability to get to the second round * Odds that a prospective FA holds is against us.
I think overall a 9% chance of a top 3 pick has much better benefit to the Celtics, long-term, than seeding positioning between 3-6. Players know who Brad Stevens is .... a first round loss won't tarnish that. Plus, I don't think they are going to lose in the first round even if they are the 6th seed. So, there's that.
Again, C's are going to crush Phoenix tonight, so this is a moot point anyway.