The Boston Celtics are looking at the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel for their 2022-23 slate of regular season games, hoping to finish strong after a late stumble midway through the stretch run.
Hoping to build some continuity and momentum as the games that matter most draw near in the form of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, the Celtics have likely charted their course to the postseason in terms of which games they will go hard. And which tilts they will rest which players to be fresh for the intensity of the playoffs, for that matter. It goes without saying that seeding is important with the team not far from the Philadelphia 76ers in a battle for the East’s second seed, although the Milwaukee Mucks may be uncatchable for the top seed in the conference.
Let’s take a look at the 10 remaining games in Boston’s regular season schedule.
Game no. 73: at Sacramento Kings (3/21)
Nov 25, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) controls the ball while Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Team record: 43-27 (.614)
Vs. Celtics: 0-1
Last 10 games: 8-2
Rest or compete: compete
Prediction: win
Game no. 74: vs. Indiana Pacers (3/24)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 23: Sam Hauser #30 of the Boston Celtics blocks a shot attempt by Jordan Nwora #13 of the Indiana Pacers in the second quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 23, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Team record: 32-39 (.451)
Vs. Celtics: 2-0
Last 10 games: 6-4
Rest or compete: some rest
Prediction: loss
Game no. 75: vs. San Antonio Spurs (3/26)
Jan 7, 2023; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon (13) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs forwards Zach Collins (23) and guard Josh Richardson (7) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Team record: 19-52 (.268)
Vs. Celtics: 0-1
Last 10 games: 5-5
Rest or compete: rest
Prediction: win
Game no. 76: at Washington Wizards (3/28)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 30: Will Barton #5 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at TD Garden on October 30, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Nick Grace/Getty Images)
Team record: 32-39 (.451)
Vs. Celtics: 0-1
Last 10 games: 3-7
Rest or compete: some rest
Prediction: win
Game no. 77: at Milwaukee Bucks (3/30)
February 14, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) looks for a shot against Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Team record: 51-20 (.718)
Vs. Celtics: 1-1
Last 10 games: 7-3
Rest or compete: compete
Prediction: win
Game no. 78: vs. Utah Jazz (3/31)
Mar 18, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) shoots against Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) in the fourth quarter at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Team record: 34-36 (.486)
Vs. Celtics: 1-0
Last 10 games: 5-5
Rest or compete: some rest
Prediction: win
Game no. 79: at Philadelphia 76ers (4/4)
February 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams (12) drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers forward PJ Tucker (17) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Team record: 48-22 (.686)
Vs. Celtics: 0-3
Last 10 games: 9-1
Rest or compete: compete
Prediction: loss
Game no. 80: vs. Toronto Raptors (4/5)
Jan 21, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives to the basket as Toronto Raptors forward Precious Achiuwa (5) tries to defend during the first quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Team record: 35-37 (.486)
Vs. Celtics: 0-2
Last 10 games: 5-5
Rest or compete: some rest
Prediction: win
Game no. 81: vs. Toronto Raptors (4/7)
Jan 21, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) defends during the second quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Team record: 35-37 (.486)
Vs. Celtics: 0-2
Last 10 games: 5-5
Rest or compete: some rest
Prediction: loss
Game no. 82: vs Atlanta Hawks (4/9)
Mar 11, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) grabs a rebound past Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20) in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Team record: 35-36
Vs. Celtics: 1-1
Last 10 games: 4-6
Rest or compete: rest
Prediction: loss
Final Celtics record and seed: 55-26, No. 3
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Story originally appeared on Celtics Wire