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NBA Preview: East — 15 Questions for 15 Teams
1. Boston Celtics
2. New York Knickerbockers
3. Philadelphia 76ers
4. Indiana Pacers
5. Milwaukee Bucks
6. Cleveland Cavaliers
7. Orlando Magic
8. Miami Heat
9. Detroit Pistons
10. Atlanta Hawks
11. Toronto Raptors
12. Charlotte Hornets
13. Chicago Bulls
14. Brooklyn Nets
15. Washington Wizards
Boston Celtics
Q. Can the Celtics avoid the title hangover and repeat as champs?
The title hangover has plagued teams since the NBA’s uptempo revolution and increased parity made repeating a much tougher task.
A. Yes…but don’t expect a huge regular season. The need to be healthy in May and June will limit the minutes of Porzingis (already expected to miss the first two months) and the 38 year-old Horford. The need for rest will also eventually impact the starting core of Tatum, Brown, White and Holliday. Though White and Holliday appear tireless, they will get selectively rested in the middle of the year in order to see what the rising Payton…
