The 40-20 Contender Rule: Will the Celtics Qualify? (2025)

[brackdan70]

Just five teams now. Lakers end Nuggets 9-game streak and eliminates them from "contention." Knicks and Grizzlies each need to win their next three.

Down to four teams. Celtics, Cavs, and Thunder are IN. Grizzlies hoping to be the 4th team.

And we're set. Only three teams qualified this season -- Thunder, Cavs, and Celtics.

And now time to keep watch on the 20-10 rule for finishing the season.

[ConstableGeneva]

The Celtics got to 50 wins before 20 losses. Just as the five most recent Celtics champs did.

[brackdan70]

The Celtics got to 50 wins before 20 losses. Just as the five most recent Celtics champs did.

has a 50/20 Celtics team here lost?
Get to 60/20 next.

[ConstableGeneva]

The Celtics got to 50 wins before 20 losses. Just as the five most recent Celtics champs did.

has a 50/20 Celtics team here lost?
Get to 60/20 next.

We have a bunch of 60-win Celtics teams that didn't get the job done so I would say yeah. Three teams (1973, 1982, 1985) never reached 20 losses in a full season but didn't win the title.