Well, the way they are playing, reaching 53 wins (last year's total) might not be a given
I think we need context. Let's consider that many thought this team was going to come back to earth before signing Hayward. A win total in the high 40's seemed reasonable.
Then Hayward. Then Kyrie. Minus Hayward. Trade out veterans and add in inexperienced players......
If the Celtics finish in the low-mid 50's, this regular season is a success. Especially since our young players are going to develop as if they were on a bad team, considering the minutes they are getting.
Just the way I look at it. Never thought we wrre a Finals team without Hayward and am glad this team is developing their youth. Brown, Tatum, Rozier, Theis and Ojeleye have had a bunch of PT to develop and had great results. I think we can get to 55-56 wins and think the ECFs are still very much in reach. But I never thought they would be a Finals team, nevermind contend in the Finals.