Not Dead Yet: Why the Boston Celtics Can Still Make the NBA Finals

Life looked good for the Celtics mere days ago. Miami was down 2-1 against Indiana, and thus a path was opening up to the finals.

Now? The Heat just bounced the Pacers, Boston is in Game 7 against the Sixers and Avery Bradley is out for rest of the playoffs.

The assumption is that the Celtics are dead men walking, even if they win tonight. 

But I'm not so sure.

Even with the tough loss of Avery Bradley, Boston has a chance to make the finals—provided they win tonight, of course. Miami's combined powers of LeBron James and Dwyane Wad were enough to triumph over Indiana, but they are still thin in the frontcourt. Whatever their roster problems were yesterday, beating the Pacers didn't fix them. The Heat are vulnerable, even if it doesn't feel that way after three victories in a row and some virtuoso James-Wade performances. 

As for the Celtics, I keep hearing about how "banged up" they are and how much they'll miss Avery Bradley. Yes, they will miss Bradley, but let's not go crazy. Bradley is an excellent defender and an emerging offensive talent. He's also a shooting guard with point guard height and has little role in the offense.  

If Ray Allen can round into some form of his usual self, the loss can be withstood. Paul Pierce has struggled with knee issues, and I don't want to diminish the importance of that. Still, he's playing at roughly his usual level against a tough Philly defense. Meanwhile, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo are both picking up slack by posting plus-20 PERs in the playoffs. 

And the Boston defense keeps rolling. Right now, the Celtics are ranked No. 1 in playoff defensive efficiency, even with many contributions from Bradley. This ultimately is what gives them a shot, should they advance to play Miami. Boston's not dead yet, provided they don't die on Saturday.