Are the Boston Celtics title favorites for the 2023-24 NBA season?

Only if their gamble on health pays off.

The upcoming season for the Boston Celtics is likely to be a critical one in their current arc of contention.

When the team traded veteran point guard Marcus Smart and backup big man Mike Muscala to bring in then-Washington Wizards star center Kristaps Porzingis, the roster’s vaunted depth took a hit. That was compounded by the exit of reserve forward Grant Williams to the Dallas Mavericks in restricted free agency.

Now, the frontcourt has an older Al Horford, oft-injured Robert Williams III and a dinged Oshae Brissett to worry about. Porzingis is already nursing a bout of plantar fasciitis back to health. And don’t forget about Malcolm Brogdon, the still-healing reserve floor general. Fans are getting nervous, and rightfully so.

The hosts of the “Locked On NBA” podcast recently took a deep dive into this most critical of Celtics seasons with depth and injury concerns in mind.

Take a look at the clip embedded above to hear what they had to say.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=590969556]