Boston Celtics: 2018-19 NBA season preview

Predictions

All in all, the 2018-19 season projects to be a memorable one for Boston Celtics fans. Despite the fact there may be some early kinks to work through with team chemistry, it’s hard to see this squad being anywhere other than the top of the Eastern Conference come playoff time.

For the best part of nearly a decade, the East has felt like it was a one horse race, with every other team not containing LeBron James simply making up the numbers. With King James now on the west coast with the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston is in the best position to take that mantle.

Hayward, Irving and Tatum will reach the All-Star Game, and Tatum will finish in the top three of voting for the league’s Most Improved Player award.

After an undeniable snub last season, Brad Stevens appears a strong bet for Coach of the Year, and his squad is destined to be playing ball in June, reaching the NBA Finals after winning 60 games and earning the 1-seed in the East.