Celtics clinch No. 2 seed in Eastern Conference playoffs

Coming into the 2025-26 season, the Celtics have been anticipated to expertise a bridge yr amid Jayson Tatum’s absence.

Maybe they might have discovered their approach to the playoffs, however as a decrease seed than in earlier years. However in the end, they have been anticipated to severely regress with out Tatum.

As a substitute, Boston (55-26) will possess the No. 2 seed within the Jap Convention when the primary spherical of the NBA postseason begins on April 18. Its look will mark the group’s twelfth consecutive playoff look, the league’s longest energetic streak.

The NBA playoff image isn’t but solidified, so the Celtics received’t know who they’ll face fairly but. Boston will compete with both the Orlando Magic or the Philadelphia 76ers, who will duke it out within the play-in event, which begins on April 14. The winner will develop into the No. 7 seed and face the Celtics.

Boston pummeled the New Orleans Pelicans 144-118 of their second-to-last common season sport Friday night time to clinch the 2 seed, in entrance of their house followers at TD Backyard.

Not solely that, however the Celtics practically broke the NBA’s single-game three-point file by making 29 threes, which tied the file. Friday marked the second time in historical past Boston recorded 29 three-pointers (Oct. 22, 2024).

Jayson Tatum was the lone inactive participant for the Celtics on the second night time of a back-to-back to relaxation forward of the playoffs. The remainder of Boston’s beginning lineup, which was featured on the injury report, began and helped get their crew out to a giant lead.

That features Jaylen Brown, who was initially questionable to play as he manages his left Achilles tendinitis. He scored 23 factors, taking pictures 8-for-13 from the sector, together with 2-for-3 from past the arc. Brown completed the night time a +24, including one other instance to the strong MVP case he’s constructed over the course of this season.

Sam Hauser, Derrick White, and Neemias Queta all began after discovering themselves on the harm report; they ended their stints +21, +18, and +13 on the ground, respectively.

Jordan Walsh began rather than Tatum, scoring six factors (two three-pointers) in 22 minutes as a +17.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla rightfully unloaded his bench, giving gamers like Max Shulga and Ron Harper Jr. minutes within the second half because the rating acquired out of hand in favor of the Celtics.

Boston will play its closing common season sport Sunday night. Tipoff between the Celtics and their potential first-round opponent Magic is ready for six p.m. Jap Time at TD Backyard.

Kaley Brown

Sports activities producer

Kaley Brown is a sports activities producer for Boston.com, the place she covers the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Purple Sox.