Boston Celtics will win NBA championship, secure 18th banner according to 2023-24 season simulator
The Boston Celtics will win the NBA championship and securing their 18th banner, according to a season simulator, Strat-O-Matic.
Yahoo! Sports partnered up with Strat-O-Matic to simulate the entire 2023-24 NBA season, predicting stat lines for every Celtics player, the regular-season standings for all 30 teams and the full postseason bracket to crown a 2024 champion.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 05: Jayson Tatum #0 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrate against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter in game three of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The 2023-24 Boston Celtics are entering the season with high expectations after making significant changes to their roster, including acquiring All-Stars Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday in exchange for core veterans. In a simulation of the season, the Celtics’ new top six players have been performing exceptionally well, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the way in scoring.
The simulation predicts the Celtics will dominate the regular season, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference with 64 wins, their most since the 2007-08 championship season. Boston’s offense is particularly impressive, scoring over 124 points per game while maintaining strong defense.
In the Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, secure the second seed, with the Philadelphia 76ers trailing behind as the third seed. Surprisingly, the Indiana Pacers emerge as a contender with the fifth seed, while the New York Knicks struggle, landing as the 12th seed.
In the Western Conference, the Minnesota Timberwolves claim the top seed with 55 wins, ahead of teams like the Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors. The defending champion Denver Nuggets secure the fifth seed, while the Phoenix Suns need a play-in tournament win to make the playoffs.
During the postseason simulation, the Miami Heat dispatch the Bucks in the second round, while the Celtics sweep the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, avenging their previous year’s loss. The Timberwolves make a surprising run to the NBA Finals, where they face the Celtics.
In the NBA Finals, the Celtics are the dominant force, defeating the Timberwolves to secure their 18th championship in franchise history and their first since 2008.
(source: Yahoo Sports)
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The full list of jersey numbers retired by the Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics, donned in their iconic emerald green and pristine white, have been graced by legendary players whose names resonate through the revered halls of the TD Garden, leaving an indelible mark on the history of basketball. Proudly displayed alongside the 17 NBA championship banners are the numbers and names of 24 transcendent figures, forever enshrined as immortal legends in the heart of Boston.
One of the latest additions to the pantheon of Celtics greats is Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett. In March 2022, the arena erupted with thunderous cheers as his jersey ascended to the rafters, solidifying his place in the Celtics’ lore. Garnett’s impact on the team extended far beyond his awe-inspiring talent, as he earned the coveted title of Defensive Player of the Year in the 2007-08 season.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 13: Kevin Garnett raises the number retirement banner with his daughters Kavalli and Kapri during his number retirement ceremony following the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on March 13, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The pinnacle of Garnett’s journey with the Celtics arrived in the same season when they clinched the 2008 NBA championship, etching their names into the annals of history once again. Such triumphs are woven into the very essence of the Celtics’ existence, a testament to their ability to cultivate legends and celebrate greatness.
Beyond the confines of basketball, the Celtics embody tradition, excellence, and perseverance. With an impressive collection of 17 NBA titles, they proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with their fierce rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, in the pantheon of championship triumphs. Boasting an astounding 22 appearances in the NBA Finals, the Celtics’ indomitable spirit continues to shine brightly.
Yet, achieving this legendary status was no fleeting feat. The foundation of their dynasty lies in the players who have proudly donned the green and white, each contributing their unique talents to the team’s ongoing success. The Celtics’ pull for greatness is evident in the staggering 41 members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame who have either played or coached for the team. This magnetism is further exemplified by the tradition of retiring 24 numbers, the highest honor bestowed upon players in North American professional sports.
We embark on a journey through the long list of Celtics legends, their numbers and names forever gracing the rafters of the TD Garden, among the championship banners, serving as an enduring tribute to the unwavering spirit of the Boston Celtics.
