3 NBA teams whose stocks are skyrocketing, 3 that are fading fast

Skyrocketing NBA Team #2: Boston Celtics

After a disappointing end to the 2022–23 season in which they lost in game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics had a terrific off-season, including acquiring two All-Stars. The Celtics, unsurprisingly, have dominated on both ends of the floor thus far. Through 10 games, they are fourth in offensive efficiency and second in defensive efficiency.

The additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday have both been instrumental in their early dominance. Despite concerns about depth after trading several rotation players in separate deals for Porzingis and Holiday, Boston has simply played their five best players, including Jayson Tatum, Jalen Brown, and Derrick White, big minutes.

Playing four All-Stars and an advanced stats star in White together has resulted in them blowing the doors off opposing teams with a league-leading 13.4-point differential. That will obviously come down as the season progresses, but being so high so early suggests that this Celtics team could be truly elite.

After all, differential is generally predictive and teams with a point differential of over 10 often make the NBA Finals, with many of them winning the championship. With the rival Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat off to slow starts, the Celtics appear to have a clear path back to the Eastern Conference Finals and possibly a championship.