The Celtics managed to sneak into the playoffs as the eighth-seed. But don't get fooled. This has been a broken season for Boston. Things aren't suddenly going to get fixed for the Celtics drawing this tough opponent especially with Jalen Brown out.

Brooklyn had a dominating season despite rarely having Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving on the court together. Now all three superstars are healthy at just the right time. The Nets are not a strong defensive club, but their explosiveness factor is off the charts. 

Brown not only was Boston's second-best player, but he would have been a major defensive help. Marcus Smart can't cover three superstars by himself and underrated Robert Williams isn't 100 percent.  

The Nets swept the Celitcs winning by a combined 45 points in their three games this season. Not once in any of those matchup were Durant, Harden and Irving all able to play in the same game. Now they can. 

The Celtics are 5-9 in their last 14 games. Aside from Jayson Tatum, there has been major regression from the past couple of seasons for Boston. The Celtics also have failed to cover during their past six road games against the Nets. 

The class difference between these two teams is more than single digits, especially when playing in Brooklyn.