Is the Boston Celtics Still the Clear Title Favorite?

With the NBA season set to resume on July 30th, fans around the world are eager to see which team will come out on top and claim the highly coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy. Many have their bets placed on the Boston Celtics as they were one of the top teams in the league before the season was suspended due to the pandemic. However, in a recent segment on ACTION PACKED NEWS, First Take’s Stephen A. Smith, Mad Dog, and Austin Rivers debated whether the Celtics are still the clear-cut title favorites.

As the discussion began, Stephen A. Smith made it clear that he still believes the Celtics are the team to beat. He stated, “The Celtics have the talent, the experience, and the coaching to take on any team in the league. Not to mention, they have been one of the best defensive teams all season long.” Smith’s argument was supported by Mad Dog who also highlighted the Celtics’ impressive defense. However, Austin Rivers had a different perspective, pointing out that the team may struggle in a playoff setting where every game counts. He also expressed concerns about the team’s chemistry, stating that they have yet to prove they can win together in tough situations.

Will Defense Be the Key for the Celtics?

One of the key factors that the panel agreed on was the Celtics’ top-ranked defense. Led by veteran Al Horford and All-Star point guard Kemba Walker, the Celtics have been able to shut down some of the best players in the league. Mad Dog even went on to say, “Defense wins championships, and the Celtics have the best defense in the league right now. That alone gives them a good chance at winning the title.” However, Austin Rivers brought up a valid point, questioning whether the Celtics’ defense would be enough to stop some of the best offenses in the league, such as the LA Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks.

In the end, while the panel was divided on their opinions, one thing was clear – the Boston Celtics are still a top contender for the NBA title. With their impressive defensive skills and a talented roster, it is no surprise that they were mentioned in the debate. However, only time will tell if they can live up to their title favorites status and bring home the championship. Until then, fans will continue to eagerly await the return of basketball and the highly anticipated conclusion of the NBA season.