Last year the World Champions won 66 games in seemingly effortless fashion, sleep walked through the first two rounds of the playoffs, then spanked the Pistons before blowing out the Lakers in the finals. Throughout the first half of the year, they were a cover machine playing the best defense of any NBA team in recent memory. They won their first 15 games straight up against a Western Conference that produced eight 50 game winners.

 

That said, is the inevitable championship hangover, the Big Three coming back another year older, and a seeming improved Eastern Conference make ostensibly the same roster 13 games weaker than it was in 2008 ??? I don’t think so.

 

The only question is my mind as to whether the Celtics will get this number is the health of the Boston Three Party. Shamrock captain Paul Pierce saw action in 80 games putting up solid (19.6, 5.1, 4.6)  numbers. Kevin Garnett, the Big Ticket, struck for 18.8, 9.2, and 3.4 to go along with his “Defensive Player of the Year” honors. Ray Allen’s chronic knee problems were no problem as the league’s (arguably) best streak shooter averaged 17.4 ppg and cashed 40% from beyond the arc.

 

While the Big Three might be a year older, the young Celtic talent is a year older, a year more experiences, a year better. Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis form a beefy formidable tandem at center. Leon Powe provides energy and is more than adequate giving Garnett a blow. Tony Allen and veteran Eddie House are both veteran shooting guards. Rajon Rondo is the real deal calling the shots from the point with Sam “I Am” Cassel off the pine.

 

The Celtics did lose key roll player James Posey but his minutes will be assimilated by the younger players and other roll people like Brian Scalabrine and the talented Billy Walker from last year’s Kansas State team.

 

Boston is loaded again and if they stay healthy, they’re once again the team to beat in the East and a real threat to repeat as NBA champs. This could be the easiest NBA future you’ll make this and it wouldn’t be a surprise if you lit that victory cigar with three weeks to a month left in the regular season. Play the over.