Boston Celtics: Early bold predictions for 2018-19 NBA season

1. Celtics sweep the Warriors in NBA Finals

Let’s be honest — this Celtics team is going to be nuts. With Irving and Hayward back to full health, this is essentially the same team that nearly won the Eastern Conference plus two All-Stars. Can anyone in the East really stand between them and a trip to the Finals?

You could probably make a case for the Toronto Raptors, and it would be a strong one. Assuming Kawhi Leonard is healthy and buys in, that’s going to be a tough team to topple. However, with a lineup consisting of Irving, Hayward, Tatum, Horford and Jaylen Brown, I don’t see how anyone can keep the Eastern crown off the Celtics’ head.

So after running roughshod on the East, the Celtics head to the Finals on a mission. If this prediction comes true, they’ll accomplish that mission with little issue.

Fueled by a desire to trounce the two-time defending champions, the Celtics whale on the Golden State Warriors for four straight games. Although they have a couple of close calls, the talents of Irving, Hayward and Tatum are too much for the Warriors to overcome. It’s a surprising result, but one that makes some sense upon further review.

And there you have it. The Celtics win their first title since 2008, increasing their total to 18. The steady progress, clutch free agency/trade additions and genius maneuvering by Danny Ainge all adds up to equal another ring for one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises.

The collective NBA community outside of California revels in the fact that someone other than the Warriors are champions.