Celtics’ top priority? Win the top seed in the East
WALTHAM — Saying Wednesday night’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks is the most important regular-season game in the Brad Stevens era wouldn’t be outrageous. The Celtics have a precious opportunity to claim the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a victory at TD Garden.
A week ago, the Celtics were considered pretenders after losing by 23 points at home to the Cleveland Cavaliers, a game that then was considered the biggest of the Stevens era. The Cavaliers have stumbled since, losing three consecutive games, opening the door for the Celtics to claim the top seed with a victory.
LeBron James won’t be playing for the Cavaliers against the Toronto Raptors and the Bucks announced that All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo, guard Matthew Dellavedova, Khris Middleton, and Tony Snell didn’t travel to Boston to rest, as Milwaukee already has its playoff spot clinched and appears indifferent about the seed.
The Bucks would have had to hope the Hawks lose their final two games and then beat the Celtics to earn the fifth seed. Since they are guaranteed at least the sixth seed, they seem content to face the Raptors in the first round.
So there are no excuses for the Celtics, who would love to give primary players Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Amir Johnson, and Al Horford a good rest before the playoffs open, likely with a Game 1 on Sunday at TD Garden. Stevens has refrained from giving his players a breather, unlike most of the playoff contenders. That’s because he realizes how critical a top seed is to the organization.
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