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Joe Mazzulla Addresses Celtics' Status As Favorites Before Playoffs
TL;DR
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla discusses the team's rise as favorites for the playoffs, now listed at +160 to win the Eastern Conference. This marks a significant turnaround from their initial status as long shots at -6000 before the season.
Key points
- Joe Mazzulla addresses Celtics' playoff status
- Celtics are +160 favorites to win Eastern Conference
- Team was a -6000 long shot before the season
Mentioned in this story
Joe Mazzulla
Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla
Joe Mazzulla Addresses Celtics' Status As Favorites Before Playoffs originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Before the 2025-26 season tipped off, few NBA fans would have expected the Boston Celtics to enter the playoffs as a top championship contender.
Boston trailed 15 teams when beginning the season as a -6000 long shot to win the NBA Finals. Joe Mazzulla's squad is no longer an underdog, as the Celtics are +160 favorites to win the Eastern Conference on FanDuel Sportsbook.
Mazzulla was asked about that steep transformation before Sunday's Game 1 against the Philadelphia 76ers, courtesy of CLNS Media. The head coach explained that the public perception hasn't affected his approach ahead of the postseason.
"Our messaging internally has been the same for however long I’ve been in the Celtics organization," Mazzulla said. "Just have to be consistent in the things that impact winning. Understand that there's highs, there's lows, and you stay consistent to the process of winning. Stick together, and the results take care of itself."
Q&A
What are the Boston Celtics' odds to win the Eastern Conference?
The Boston Celtics are currently favored at +160 to win the Eastern Conference.
How did the Celtics' playoff status change from the start of the season?
At the start of the season, the Celtics were a -6000 long shot to win the NBA Finals, but they have since become top contenders.
Who is the head coach of the Boston Celtics?
The head coach of the Boston Celtics is Joe Mazzulla.
