Former NBA Guard Calls Celtics 'Front-Runner' To Win Eastern Conference

Lou Williams likes Boston's chances heading into the playoffs.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 2:47pm

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Three-time Sixth Man of the Year winner Lou Williams believes the Boston Celtics are the front-runner to win the Eastern Conference this season. The Celtics have won 11 of their last 13 games and are tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers as the favorites to capture the conference championship, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Why it matters

The Celtics have emerged as a top contender in the wide-open Eastern Conference, with their recent strong play and potential return of star player Jayson Tatum for the playoffs. Williams' endorsement of the Celtics as the team to beat in the East adds to the growing buzz around the team as a legitimate title contender.

The details

The Celtics improved to 40-20 on the season after a 114-98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. They have won 11 of their last 13 games, and Tatum could potentially return in time for the playoffs. This has the Celtics tied with the Cavaliers at +260 on FanDuel Sportsbook for the shortest odds to win the Eastern Conference, ahead of the New York Knicks (+410) and Detroit Pistons (+430).

  • The Celtics will attempt to stay hot against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The players

Lou Williams

A three-time Sixth Man of the Year winner who endorsed the Celtics as his pick to win the Eastern Conference.

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' star player who could potentially return in time for the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“I still like Boston. I like Boston coming out of the East right now.”

— Lou Williams, Three-time Sixth Man of the Year

“I've changed my mind a few times. This week, it's Boston.”

— Lou Williams, Three-time Sixth Man of the Year

What’s next

The Celtics will attempt to stay hot against a returning Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

The Celtics have emerged as a top contender in the Eastern Conference, with their recent strong play and potential return of star player Jayson Tatum for the playoffs. Former NBA player Lou Williams has endorsed the Celtics as his pick to win the East, adding to the growing buzz around the team as a legitimate title contender.