The Celtics had a pretty successful home-stance finishing 2-1 with a loss to the Jazz on Saturday. For a minute it seemed like the Celtics were back in form with their strong performance against the Raptors, but it seems like we're in the same spot as before. Don't get me wrong, that Raptors win was huge and showed what the C's can be, but it also shows why they're struggling. It seems as if the team only brings the energy on both ends during big games such as opening night against the Sixers and Friday against the East-leading Raptors. All things aside, I'm still not worried too much, but as we get deeper into the season I still see inconsistency. This upcoming week, however, provides the C's with an opportunity to get a few wins and build some momentum.
Monday 11/19: Celtics vs Hornets @7:00 pm
The Hornets are coming into this game after a loss to the 76ers, despite Kemba Walker's 60-point night. Their record is 7-8 and their offense and defense ranks in and around the middle of the pack for the league, so we should expect a decent game here. I haven't had a chance to watch the Hornets play this year, but they pretty much have the same core minus Dwight Howard and the addition of rookie Miles Bridges who has started off strong averaging 7 ppg. I don't have much to say about this game other than the Celtics should take this one with ease like 80% of the other games this season, but we know the situation now. At home, the Hornets will definitely come out firing and have some extra motivation going against the Celtics, but if the C's can contain Kemba and do work on the boards, I expect a win.
My Prediction: Celtics Win (126-110)
Wednesday 11/21: Knicks vs Celtics @7:30 pm
Back at home for this one, the C's take on a shaky Knicks team still without Kristaps Porzingis. They are at the bottom of the league in defense and offense with a 4-12 record. In all honesty, this team's roster is a travesty with or without Porzingis and if the C's lose this one sound the sirens. This should... no, this needs to be a win; anything less is unacceptable.
My Prediction: Celtics Win (305-2)
Just kidding... 117-89
Friday 11/23: Celtics vs Hawks @7:30 pm
Fuck this team. The Hawks are 3-13, their best player is Trae Young, who I dislike with a passion, and they're ranked 30th in attendance. Also, they're last in the league in opponents points per game allowing around 117. They suck and its a disgrace Vince Carter decided to spend one of his final seasons surrounded by these bums. The Celtics should wipe the floor with these guys just like they should wipe the floor with the Knicks. If the Celtics don't win all these games, I quit.
My Prediction: Celtics Win (124-101)
Saturday 11/24: Celtics vs Mavericks @8:30 pm
I debated not even doing this outlook cause of how bad some of these teams are. Brad Stevens was complaining about how early in the season the road-trip was, so here's his retribution. The Mavericks are on the same level as the Hornets right now, coming off a win against the dysfunctional Warriors on Saturday. If the Celtics are going to lose one of these games its going to be either this one or the first one, but this should be a 4-0 week. So, lets fucking go! Beat these teams! However, the C's are still the C's and Al Horford is still a power forward playing center, so I'm gonna pick a loss here. This is assuming Deandre Jordan has a monster game on the boards and Luka Doncic doesn't back down against Kyrie. My gut feeling is telling me both these things will happen.
My Prediction: Mavericks Win (114-99)