Live Cricket BPL reports that the NBA’s official post-offseason power rankings for Eastern Conference teams have stirred debate—especially in Boston. Despite assembling a new “Big Three” with the addition of Kristaps Porziņģis, the Celtics were ranked second, behind the Milwaukee Bucks, who retained Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez. For a team with championship ambitions, being stuck in second place feels like a bitter pill to swallow.
It’s worth remembering that while the Bucks finished last regular season with the East’s best record, they were stunningly eliminated in the first round by the eighth-seeded Miami Heat. Meanwhile, the Celtics fought their way to the Eastern Conference Finals and narrowly lost to the same Heat team in a Game 7 thriller. With clear roster upgrades over the summer, many expected Boston to leapfrog Milwaukee. Yet, the rankings suggest otherwise.
Even more baffling, Live Cricket BPL analysts argue, is the Miami Heat’s placement at sixth. This is a team that not only shocked the Bucks but also marched all the way to the NBA Finals before falling to the Denver Nuggets. Over the summer, they strengthened their roster further, yet were ranked behind the Cavaliers, who were knocked out in the first round by the Knicks. It’s a head-scratcher for fans and analysts alike.
Boston, one of the league’s oldest and most storied franchises, has experienced countless highs and lows. But when it comes to business decisions, the Celtics have earned a reputation as one of the coldest teams in the NBA. Legacy or sentiment rarely factor into their moves. Case in point: they recently waived 22-year-old forward Justin Champagnie. While his presence on the court was minimal, the move freed up a roster spot and trimmed salary—a logical choice for a team looking to avoid luxury tax penalties.
Currently, Boston’s main roster stands at 13 players, plus two on two-way contracts. That leaves two regular spots and one two-way slot still open. Live Cricket BPL insiders suggest the Celtics are likely to use these vacancies to continue strengthening their rotation. Champagnie’s exit might seem harsh, but it aligns with the front office’s cost-conscious mindset.
Before releasing him, Boston’s payroll had already exceeded the luxury tax threshold. For a franchise known to be frugal, any opportunity to cut costs is seized quickly. The team is now seeking players who can defend well without demanding the ball. That effectively rules out names like Christian Wood, Kelly Oubre Jr., John Wall, or Ed Davis, who don’t fit Boston’s needs in this phase of the rebuild.
As it stands, the Celtics remain contenders—but they’re also under pressure to prove that their Big Three can deliver where the rankings didn’t.