The Boston Celtics are the most fascinating story in the NBA this season. They are defying expectations and proving they can contend in the wide-open Eastern Conference.
While their time in second place in the East standings was short-lived, the fact that they even reached it was something few, if any, saw coming. Even after their 114-110 loss to the Denver Nuggets, Boston is just half a game behind the second-seeded New York Knicks.
There's also a legitimate possibility Jayson Tatum returns this season to boost his team's chances of an extended run in the playoffs.