Celtics Are Still Best Team Left in NBA Playoffs Over Heat, Warriors

Don't count out the Boston Celtics.

Not yet.

Boston dropped Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday night, but it has a chance to bounce back and even the series in Game 4 on Monday. The Celtics have been elite following a loss this postseason, going a perfect 4-0.

Even though the Golden State Warriors are just a win away from the NBA Finals, I don't think bettors should automatically pencil them in as the favorite to win the title. Boston, when it is on its game defensively, is still the most complete team in the playoffs remaining.

Celtics' NBA Championship Odds Ahead of Game 4

Boston is second in the odds at WynnBET Sportsbook to win the NBA title at +275 entering Game 4 despite trailing Miami in the series. Yes, Vegas is still high on Boston, and you should be too.

There are several reasons why the Celtics are a dangerous team, even trailing in the Eastern Conference Finals, starting with the No. 1 defense and versatility on that end of the floor.

When healthy, the Celtics have elite defenders in Marcus Smart, Derrick White, Al Horford, Grant Williams and Robert Williams. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are also solid defenders for two players who are asked to carry the load on offense.

The Celtics' ability to switch just about anything makes them dangerous in any matchup, especially since they match up well with the Warriors, who love to go small to play opposing bigs off the floor. Boston may welcome that, as it allows for its most dynamic offensive lineup to play while still keep Smart, Tatum, Brown and White or Grant Williams on the floor defensively.

Boston finished No. 1 in defensive rating, but it also was ninth in the NBA in offensive rating in the regular season. Of the remaining teams in the playoffs, the Celtics are the only team that was in the top 10 in both categories.

Miami's Lack of Scoring Depth Benefits Boston

The Heat are leading the Eastern Conference Finals, but with Tyler Herro out in Game 4 and Jimmy Butler dealing with a knee injury, where do the Heat turn to for points the rest of the postseason?

Will it be from Victor Oladipo? Can Bam Adebayo duplicate his Game 3 performance after a quiet playoffs? Is Kyle Lowry healthy enough to be counted on?

The fact that we have to ask these questions about Miami is another reason why I love Boston in this series, and potentially to win the NBA Finals. The Celtics have two walking buckets in Tatum and Brown, and they are second in the playoffs in 3-pointers made per game.

The supporting cast has picked up the slack in the area we all thought Boston was lacking, shooting, and turned it into a strength. The fact that Miami is counting on a different role player to be the No. 2 behind Butler is concerning to me in this series, even with the Heat leading.

Boston Has Value to Win NBA Championship

I am far from out on this Celtics team, as they match up very well with the Warriors, and Golden State doesn't have multiple wing defenders to deal with Tatum and Brown with Gary Payton II out. Maybe Klay Thompson turns back the clock and takes on one of the assignments, but I doubt it.

Marcus Smart is the best player you can ask to guard Steph Curry, and both of these teams can play small or big and still have strong lineups on the floor. I can't get over Boston's impressive net rating all season and playoffs, so as long as the Celtics stay healthy, I wouldn't be shocked if they won the NBA title.

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.