Can the Boston Celtics' recent victory over the Chicago Bulls signal a turning point in their season? With Kristaps Porzingis lighting up the court and Jaylen Brown delivering a standout performance, the Celtics are ... hopefully ... on the verge of figuring themselves out.

Join John Karalis as he breaks down the Celtics' commanding 122-100 win, highlighting Porzingis' career-best shooting night and Brown's defensive brilliance. Derrick White's crucial role and Jaden Springer's potential as a game-changer off the bench are also explored. The episode dives into the Celtics' evolving strategy and trade deadline considerations, offering insights into the team's future direction.

Don't miss this engaging analysis, exclusive insights, and expert commentary.
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We're looking back at the tough Celtics loss to Houston and putting Jayson Tatum's shot selection under the microscope. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal, alongside guest analyst Tom Westerholm, also dissects the Celtics' end-game execution, focusing on key plays involving Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet. They explore whether the team is underachieving this season or if last year's success set unrealistic expectations. The discussion also touches on the Celtics' mentality and approach to regular season games, with insights from players like Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis.

Tune in for an engaging analysis of the Boston Celtics' challenges and potential redemption story.

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This episode of the Lockdown NBA Squad Show East features a panel of NBA podcast hosts discussing recent developments in the Eastern Conference. The conversation covers the Cleveland Cavaliers' defensive struggles, highlighting the impact of injuries to players like Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro, and Evan Mobley. The Detroit Pistons' surprising success is attributed to Cade Cunningham's stellar play and improved team defense, particularly with Ausar Thompson in the lineup.

The panel debates the Orlando Magic's offensive woes, noting their league-worst three-point shooting percentage and discussing potential trade options to improve their offense without sacrificing their defensive identity. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are mentioned as key players for the Magic's future.

The hosts also explore the Philadelphia 76ers' situation, debating whether the team should continue competing or consider rebuilding, given Joel Embiid's injury history and the team's struggles this season.

0:00 Intro and discussion of Cavs' recent struggles

5:06 Pistons' surprising success: Cade Cunningham's impact and defensive improvements

11:10 FanDuel odds for Eastern Conference: Celtics favored, Bucks undervalued

16:47 Magic's offensive struggles: Worst effective field goal percentage in NBA

22:04 76ers' dilemma: To tank or not to tank

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Boston Celtics vs. Houston Rockets: A Game Full of Twists and Turns

Join John Karalis from Boston Sports Journal as he breaks down the Celtics' nail-biter against the Houston Rockets. Even though the Celtics came up short with a 114-112 loss, there's a lot to unpack. How did Dillon Brooks hit so many shots? What were the key moves by head coach Joe Mazzulla that influenced the outcome?

Karalis dives into the standout moments, like Jayson Tatum's impressive second-half performance and Kristaps Porzingis' early impact. He also looks at the defensive slip-ups in the fourth quarter and how lineup choices, including players like Jaylen Brown and Luke Kornet, played a role. Tune in for a fun and insightful look at the Celtics' strategies and player highlights.

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The Celtics (32-15) returned home and lost to the Houston Rockets, 114-112 at TD Garden Monday night. Amen Thompson hit the game-winner in the final seconds of regulation and scored a career-high 33 in the victory.. Dillon Brooks hit 10 3's and scored 36 for the Rockets. Jaylen Brown had 28 in the loss for the Celtics. Boston had 5 players in double-figures in the loss. Jayson Tatum did not score in the 1st Half and scored 19 in the 2nd Half.

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1st Half Nuggets: Jayson Tatum (0-5 FG/0-4 on 3's) did not score in the 1st Half. The Celtics trailed by as many as 11 and did not lead in the 2nd Quarter. The Celtics were down 4 after the 1st Quarter and down 2 going into Halftime. Dillon Brooks hit 5 3's and had 17 in the 1st Half for Houston. Jaylen Brown had 16 Points & Kristaps Porzingis hit 3 3's and scored 15 in the 1st Half.

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Up Next: The Celtics host the Chicago Bulls Wednesday night. The Celtics are 2-1 vs. the Bulls this season. The loss to the Bulls came at home in Boston back on

December 19. The Celtics open up a 3-Game Road Trip against the New Orleans Pelicans Friday night and then play the 76ers in Philadelphia on Sunday and play the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Tuesday, February 4.

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Locked On Celtics POSTCAST- We are on board after each Celtics game with instant reaction and your participation is always welcomed on the Locked On Sports Boston - YouTube. Don't forget to tell your friends about us. Follow on the X (Twitter) Steve Lenox (@LenoxOnHoops) / X.

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Can the Boston Celtics' defense hold up under pressure? With recent road trip performances sparking fan debates, John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal dives into the mailbag to look at the Celtics recent inconsistency. He examines the team's defensive efforts, highlighting the roles of Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis. Karalis also explores Joe Mazzulla's coaching philosophy, revealing how he balances public perception with private player development. Plus, hear insights on Rajon Rondo's controversial comments about his championship experiences with the Celtics and Lakers.

Join the conversation and discover what lies ahead for the Celtics as they navigate these challenges. Listen now for an insider's perspective on the team's evolving dynamics.

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FanDuel
Super Bowl 59 is here, And there’s no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can bet just FIVE DOLLARS, and if you win, you’ll score TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in Bonus Bets. Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of Super Bowl Fifty-Nine.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Can the Boston Celtics regain their "killer instinct" as they eye the top seed in the Eastern Conference? Dive into the Celtics' recent 122-107 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, where Derrick White's hot streak takes center stage.

Host John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal breaks down the Celtics' offensive and defensive strategies, highlighting key performances from Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis. Explore how the team's mentality compares to last season's championship drive and what challenges lie ahead, including Jayson Tatum's shot selection, and a matchup against the Houston Rockets and former coach Ime Udoka.

Listen now for exclusive insights and analysis

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Gametime
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FanDuel
Super Bowl 59 is here, And there’s no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can bet just FIVE DOLLARS, and if you win, you’ll score TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in Bonus Bets. Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of Super Bowl Fifty-Nine.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)