Who’s gunning for the Celtics?

The Elite

Lakers

• When the Celtics could see them: NBA Finals.

• Strengths: Their defense has been top-notch in their biggest games this season, and Kobe Bryant is still the best closer in the league.

• Weaknesses: With Andrew Bynum’s health a never-ending concern, the Lakers have to prove they can keep other teams’ slashers (like Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo) out of the paint.

• Who to watch: Bryant is obvious, but Pau Gasol has killed the Celtics twice this season with 22.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.0 steal in two wins.   
  

Cavaliers

• When the Celtics could see them: East finals.

• Strengths: Their defense is every bit as good as that of the Celtics, and Mo Williams is far and away the best point guard LeBron James has ever played with. They’re certainly a dangerous duo.

• Weaknesses: This is a stretch, but if James is off like he was for much of last year’s playoff series against the Celtics, it’s tough to trust their other scorers.

• Who to watch: No shock, it’s LeBron James and everyone else for Cleveland.    
  

The Challengers    

Magic

• Strengths: Dwight Howard is as close as it gets to Shaquille O’Neal. Howard’s 14.2 rpg are 2.4 more than anyone else who’s played 50 games this season.

• Weaknesses: With the loss of PG Jameer Nelson, ability to run is compromised.   
  

          
Hawks          

• Strengths: They’re the most athletic squad in the league, and they’re fearless.

• Weaknesses: The Hawks are the third-worst free-throw shooting team in the NBA, and they’re barely above .500 since coming out of the gates at 6-0.

Heat

• Strengths: Dwyane Wade has a killer mentality, and he’s a serious MVP candidate.

• Weaknesses: They’ll be readjusting after the deadline. 
  

76ers   

• Strengths: They run the fast break as well as any team in the league, and they’re no longer trying to force their identity now that Elton Brand is done for the year

• Weaknesses: The Sixers don’t exactly have a go-to guy down the stretch.    
  

The Rest            

Knicks        

• They’re one of the few teams that can score 120 points on any given night.   

Pistons

• Count them out all you want, but a matchup with them in the first round will give the Celtics nightmares.

Bucks

• Ramon Sessions and Richard Jefferson are a good enough combo to sneak the Bucks into the playoffs, but they’ve got no shot to give the C’s a run.

Raptors

• Let’s see if Shawn Marion can give this talented group a spark.

Spurs

• Manu Ginobili’s return and Roger Mason’s emergence have given them a boost.

Jazz

• Love what this team is capable of if they can get healthy in time for the playoffs.