Can The Celtics catch Golden State for best record?

[liam]

I am amazed at how close The Celtics are to that top record even with all the injuries. I think with some health that the best record is definitely within reach. Only 2.5 games back as of today.

[liam]

I vote yes indeed.

[Androslav]

Nope.
Next year maybe.

[gouki88]

Not this year. Too many obstacles to overcome imo.

Next year is a definite possibility

[mr. dee]

Maybe not this year, unless GSW got snake bitten with injuries in the post all-star break.

[KGs Knee]

I'd give them a 10% chance. I don't see it happening, but in the wise words of the immortal Kevin Garnett, anything is possible.

[Big333223]

It's still mathematically possible but I don't think that's what's being asked, so I voted no.

Since the streak, the Celtics are 23-13, which is a 52-win pace. I think that's representative of who this team is and I expect that pace to carry for the remainder of the season, which would result in 56-57 wins on the season. This is what I'm expecting.

Also, the C's only play 28 more games. Is that crazy? That feels crazy to me.

[jpotter33]

It’s possible with some luck, but given how this year’s team has been so conservative with relatively minor injuries, I don’t expect it.

[SHAQATTACK]

Not with Irving sitting.    not a chance.

Monroe should add rebounding and rest for Al.  A big for Rozier to throw the ball to low instead of tossing bricks .

Really need Smarts lockdown d on the special guards in the league .  He always treasures drawing the best guards .

still...Without a injury to GS .....i doubt it,

voted no.....GS can sustain the remander of games better. 

[Moranis]

I took the question to mean likelihood, so I voted no.  And frankly even if they catch GS, they probably don't catch Houston.  Even Toronto is pretty pesky (they started 5-4 and are 31-12 since). 

[iadera]

Realy not important. I'd rather we catch the Finals.

[wdleehi]

It might depends on GS.   Do they keep their foot on the gas or do they cruise for parts of the seasons like many past champs.  (SA, Cleveland...)




p.s.  Not talking about Cleveland current dysfunction.   Past seasons.

[tarheelsxxiii]

GS showed that health and the playoffs are more important.

[Valid]

It might depends on GS.   Do they keep their foot on the gas or do they cruise for parts of the seasons like many past champs.  (SA, Cleveland...)




p.s.  Not talking about Cleveland current dysfunction.   Past seasons.

This.

Completely depends on how Golden State decides to handle the rest of the season. Everyone and their mother knows the Warriors don't need home court to win a title, so it's entirely possible they coast throughout the rest of the season and rest guys periodically.

That being said, there is just so much talent on that roster that they can choose to rest one of their stars every game and still blow the doors off their opponent. Plus, the Warriors are a VERY prideful group, so they may want the best record.

[Moranis]

It might depends on GS.   Do they keep their foot on the gas or do they cruise for parts of the seasons like many past champs.  (SA, Cleveland...)




p.s.  Not talking about Cleveland current dysfunction.   Past seasons.

This.

Completely depends on how Golden State decides to handle the rest of the season. Everyone and their mother knows the Warriors don't need home court to win a title, so it's entirely possible they coast throughout the rest of the season and rest guys periodically.

That being said, there is just so much talent on that roster that they can choose to rest one of their stars every game and still blow the doors off their opponent. Plus, the Warriors are a VERY prideful group, so they may want the best record.

The Warriors are 41-12 (53 games).  Curry has missed 15.  Durant has missed 8.  Green has missed 7.  ZaZa has missed 10.  Klay even missed a game.  Their bench isn't much different.  Iggy has missed 9, Livingston 8, McCaw 6, West 4, Casspi 13, Bell 15.  Even Young has missed 2 games.

In other words, the Warriors have the best record in the league when the vast majority of their players have missed more than a nominal amount of games.  And they missed those games as a result of injury (mostly), which means some of the games they played were shortened or not at full strength. 

That isn't to say they can't be caught, especially by the Rockets, but it will take long periods of multiple players missing games for them to fall much below their current win% pace.  So to realistically catch them you are going to have play at a 70 win or better pace for the rest of the season.