Celtics Heads to Eastern Conference Finals After Defeating Cavs

The Boston Celtics are heading to the Eastern Conference Finals for the third consecutive year. The Celtics defeated the Cavaliers in five games to advance. Boston was my pick to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cavs. Cleveland went into Game 5 missing three of their top six players. Donovan Mitchell missed the final two games of the series. Jarrett Allen missed the entire series dealing with a rib injury. Caris LeVert missed Game 5 after dealing with a left knee bone bruise. Despite missing three of their key players, the Cavs put up a fight against the heavily favored Celtics. Boston found itself in a one-possession game early in the fourth quarter. Jayson Tatum put the team on his back with 25 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists. Al Horford had an inspiring 22 points, 15 boards, and 5 assists in the series finale.

Boston is making their sixth trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in the past eight years. Boston now awaits the winner between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers. New York leads 3-2 heading into Friday’s Game 6 in Indianapolis. The Eastern Conference Finals will begin either Sunday afternoon or Tuesday night. The Cleveland situation shows how injuries have played a significant role in the playoffs. The Cleveland Cavaliers will have a lot of questions in the offseason starting with Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell could sign a four-year, $208 million extension with the Cavs in the offseason. If not, they could opt to trade him seeing there would be suitors for the All-Star.