Celtics Seen as 'Most Dangerous Team in East' After All-Star Break

Former NBA guard Lou Williams believes Boston has exceeded expectations this season.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Boston Celtics have exceeded expectations this NBA season, and former player Lou Williams believes they are now the "most dangerous team in the East" coming out of the All-Star break. Celtics star Jaylen Brown has played at an MVP-caliber level, while the team awaits the return of injured superstar Jayson Tatum.

Why it matters

The Celtics were not expected to be a top contender in the Eastern Conference this season, but their strong play has made them a favorite to come out of the East and reach the NBA Finals. If Tatum can return from injury and play at his usual high level, the Celtics would likely be the clear favorites in the East.

The details

The Celtics have performed well above expectations this season, with Jaylen Brown playing at an MVP-caliber level. Former NBA guard Lou Williams praised the Celtics, saying "I still think Boston is the most dangerous team in the East." The Celtics parted ways with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis over the summer, but players like Derrick White and Payton Pritchard have stepped up to help fill the void.

  • The Celtics will next play the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, February 20, 2026 at 10:00 pm ET.
  • The NBA All-Star break just concluded.

The players

Jaylen Brown

A Celtics star who has played at an MVP-caliber level this season.

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' injured superstar who is expected to return at some point this season.

Lou Williams

A former NBA guard who believes the Celtics are the "most dangerous team in the East" coming out of the All-Star break.

Chandler Parsons

A co-host on the FanDuel 'Run It Back' show who agreed with Williams' assessment of the Celtics.

Jrue Holiday

A player the Celtics parted ways with over the summer.

Kristaps Porzingis

Another player the Celtics parted ways with over the summer.

Derrick White

A Celtics player who has stepped up to help fill the void left by the departures of Holiday and Porzingis.

Payton Pritchard

Another Celtics player who has rounded into form after a rough start to the season.

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What they’re saying

“I still think Boston is the most dangerous team in the East.”

— Lou Williams, Former NBA guard (FanDuel's 'Run It Back' show)

“They've exceeded everyone's expectations... Jaylen Brown should be in these MVP talks.”

— Chandler Parsons, Co-host, FanDuel's 'Run It Back' show (FanDuel's 'Run It Back' show)

What’s next

The Celtics will look to continue their strong play when they take on the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, February 20, 2026 at 10:00 pm ET as they begin a West Coast trip.

The takeaway

The Celtics have emerged as a top contender in the Eastern Conference this season, exceeding expectations and establishing themselves as the "most dangerous team in the East" according to former NBA player Lou Williams. If the Celtics can get Jayson Tatum back healthy, they would likely be the clear favorites to represent the East in the NBA Finals.