Balls-Eye: Boston Celtics in a 'Must Win' Situation

Are the Boston Celtics running out of steam? Or is the Cavs on a doubled pace to chase them down?

Still hanging on the eastern top spot at 26-7, the Boston Celtics' reign is currently in a critical condition. Seeded on the number two spot is their biggest rival Cleveland Cavaliers with 23 - 8.

One more loss and they dug their own grave. It would be very difficult to hold on if Celtics and Cavs would have the equal number of defeats for it means, the first team to lose a game equals a guaranteed fall off the peak of the standings.

Another thing is it's not just the Cavs but also Toronto Raptors on number three waiting for their bitter 8th downfall.

Celtics' next opponent is a must beat. Why? Aside from the facts mentioned earlier. Their opponent isn't just any team. It was the squad who ceased their historical winning streak -- the Miami Heat.

If you were Celtics, you cannot lose 'twice' especially if that defeat means more than just defeat. At first, it cost their streak to be turned down. If they'll be crushed again, it's the top spot that would be put at an extreme risk.

If Celtics would loosen up its grip that easily on the season's early phase. It's like they already lost their path to finish strong and win the title. They must not show the Cavs even a bit of weakness. They must be in a very threatening form once they cross paths. 

If there'll be a team to stop them, it must not be anyone but the Cavs and that way their defeat would somehow mean something valuable. But if they lose into a team out of the battle map, it would just seem like a wasted spark they've shown this season. Everything they've built with the new Celtics would end up in vain.