What's wrong with the Celtics? 3 theories

Plus resolution on the LaMelo Ball Problem.

Good morning. Let’s basketball.

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The Romans in Their Decadence; Thomas Couture; 1847

The Boston Celtics lost again. And they lost bad. In Los Angeles. To the Lakers. It’s putting Boston’s swoon over the past six weeks in bolder relief. The Celtics started the season 21-5 and are 10-9 since. Some of the wins have been awful shaky (looking at the Pelicans and Clippers games most recently) and several of the losses have been brutal in one way or another (Raptors, Hawks and Lakers in recent days).

Boston now sits just two games ahead of the Knicks for No. 2 in the East, and 4.5 games ahead of Milwaukee. Among East teams, they have by far more postseason success and experience than anyone, with only the Bucks in their neighborhood (and the Bucks’ title is now four years old). It’s worth noting that even in this uncharacteristic swoon, they are still above .500. They are No. 11 in net rating in January, which is bad for the Celtics based on their success and expectations. But again, if that’s your low point, you’re probably going to be alright.

So let’s dig in. What are the best theories as to why the Celtics are struggling more than they have in some time?