Boston Celtics: Flying Under the Radar, While Being the Best Team in the NBA

Currently their record stands at 46-15.

That's first in the Eastern Conference, second in the NBA behind the San Antonio Spurs, with a three game lead over the Chicago Bulls.

They’re riding a five game winning streak, and have won eight of their last nine.

Their one loss? A game against the Denver Nuggets, a couple hours after a stunning trade, in which they only suited up nine men, with Chris Johnson (once again, who?) playing a big role.

Yet, who's the talk of the league? The Boston Celtics? No.

In the past month, just in the Eastern Conference alone, the Bulls, Miami Heat, New York Knicks and even the Orlando Magic have been discussed on a national level more than the Celtics.

Whether it be the struggles of the "super-Heat", or if the Bulls really can compete for a title and Derrick Rose's bid for the MVP. The new "Big 3" in New York, or Dwight Howard and the resurgence of Orlando. All of these have out-shined what the Celtics are accomplishing.

The only press the Celtics have received lately?

How the Kendrick Perkins trade killed their chances at an NBA title. How they sacrificed the "now" for the "future." How they gave away their one great advantage over the rest of the league.

Could it be that the Celtics have been so consistently good on the year, with no real controversy, that there's no spice to talk about them till playoff time?

Possibly, but that doesn't mean it's right. What the Celtics have done this season should garner more attention.

Around this time last year, the Celtics were dragging themselves into the playoffs as a number four seed.

They'd become too old; their window had closed.

Surprisingly, the team came together for a run at the Finals, where they came up short to the Los Angeles Lakers.

In the off-season, while the Heat were forming their "unbeatable" team, Boston added more age (and size) in Shaquille O'Neal (38) and Jermaine O'Neal (32) to a veteran roster to say the least.

While Jermaine has only played in 17 games, Shaq got off to a great start, but now injuries have caught up to him—and according to A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com, don't expect the "Diesel" back anytime soon.

So the Celtics two big pick-ups have missed 53 games between them, out of a possible 61.

But, those aren't the only Celtics to miss stretches this season.

Kevin Garnett missed nine, Rajon Rondo 12.

For all the Jermaine humor at his inability to get on the court, Delonte West has been struck with the injury bug worse, only playing in eight games this season. And now Glen "Big Baby" Davis is down for at least a week with a knee injury of his own.

Don't forget that the now departed Kendrick Perkins missed most of the season recovering from last years ACL injury, only playing in 12 games before being dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he's still yet to play due to another knee injury.

Marquis Daniels was dealt because of a bruised spine that likely ended his season.

The only two players that have gone through the season healthy are their 33-year-old small forward and 35-year-old shooting guard, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen respectively.

Despite this, the Celtics have been running at the top of the East from the beginning.

They went into the All-Star break with coach Doc Rivers at the helm of the East squad, and four members (Pierce, Allen, Garnett and Rondo) of the twelve-man roster.

There's been no second-half slump this season, and as the Celtics roster continues to be ravaged by injury, yet they continue to win.

Adding in Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic was a seamless transition thanks to all of the veteran leadership on the team.

They fell right in place, and you'd be hard-pressed to notice that the two have been with the Celtics for less than a month.

Against the four other East teams mentioned above, the Celtics are 9-2—including 3-0 over the mighty Heat.

With 21 games left in the season, Boston controls its on destiny.

A number one seed is in their grasp, and home-court through out the playoffs isn't out of the question.

There are of course still questions lingering. The biggest being, can they get back some healthy O'Neal's for the playoffs?

If they can, the only thing that standing in the way of the Celtics and a repeat appearance in the NBA Finals is themselves. Banner 18 is theirs to be had.

Agree/Disagree? Let yourself be known.