The question is, will the second half of the season be like the second half of so many recent games?
The Celtics could not afford such a scenario. At 32-18 they are closer to the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference than they are the top spot, a position which they once held before closing out games became such an issue. Toronto has crept to within four games in the Atlantic Division, and the first four games after the All-Star break involve roadies against some of the best the West has to offer.
The Celtics are 8.5 games behind the Cavaliers and 7.5 games ahead of the Chicago Bulls.
When will the bleeding stop?