Celtics now #4 in East, even without division lead

Since taking over first place in the Atlantic Division almost two weeks ago (with a December 3rd win over the Bucks that pushed them to 8-12), the Celtics have occupied the #4 spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race by default; division winners are guaranteed a top four seed regardless of record.  However, with every team around them in the standings continuing to stumble, Boston's 11-14 record is now good enough for the Conference's #4 position on it's own merit.  The Celtics .440 winning percentage is tied with Detroit behind only Indiana, Miami, and Atlanta.

Of course the C's also lead 9th place Washington (9-13) by just half a game, and are only 5.5 games in front of the Bucks, an NBA worst 5-19.



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