"After last night's dutiful disposal of the Raptors, the Celtics are now above .500 for the second time this season.

They are 8-4 against the sub-.500 teams and 3-6 vs. clubs above par. It's also instructive to note those latter three wins constitute a streak on which the Celts remain.

One game away from having a third of their season in the books, they are doing essentially what they need: stay in the top eight and protect your hooptegenarians."