Going for 70?

Ever since the '95-96 Chicago Bulls won 72 games, the latest team to get off to a great start is asked if they too can win 70 games. Three years ago it was the Pistons, two years ago it was the Suns, and last year it was Dallas (who won 67). Now it's the Celtics turn -- can they win 70 games?

Right now the Celtics (assuming they beat the Sacramento Kings tonight) are 23-3, which would be the same record the '96 Bulls had through 26 games. Keeping pace with Chicago would be pretty tough, since the Bulls then went on an 18-game winning streak.

People say the Celtics have their record because of the easy schedule they play. Well believe it or not folks, the Celtics have the easiest remaining schedule in the NBA. And of their three losses: one was in overtime and two were to the Magic and Pistons by two points.

The probability of them winning 70 is thin, like it was with the Pistons, Suns, and Mavericks. Boston is a lock to win 60-65 wins, and they're on pace to win 70 as it is. But for them to seriously challenge a 70-win season, they'll have to win out west. That being said, the East is so weak that it wouldn't shock me if it happened.