MassLive's John Karalis discusses the win over Cleveland, how it gave Brad Stevens a chance to give an inspirational speech, and Grant Williams' first 3, including his postgame reaction. Today's episode is brought to you by Audible. Go to Audible.com/lockedonnba for 53% off or text lockedonnba to 500-500.
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Dec. 10: Hayward returns, Brad's inspiration, & Grant's first ever 3

Locked On Celtics podcast is your daily ticket to stay ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Celtics and the NBA. Hosted by Boston Sports Journal beat writer John Karalis, the Locked On Celtics podcast provides expert, local analysis from a former basketball player who is at all practices and games. The Locked On Celtics podcast takes you beyond the scoreboard for the inside scoops on the biggest stories from within the Celtics locker room and all over the NBA. The Locked On Celtics podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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Basketball

The Sixers are about to take on the New York Knicks, and that's exactly what they wanted instead of facing the Celtics, calling it the easier team. Were the Sixers ducking Boston? Will they meet up in the playoffs anyway? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Tom Westerholm talk about that before getting into Jayson Tatum's trainer saying he wants Tatum to become the 'nicest a-hole'

Philadelphia 76ers ducked Boston Celtics? Making Jayson Tatum 'nicest a-hole'

The Philadelphia 76ers won their play-in game against the Miami Heat, sending Miami home to face the Chicago Bulls, who beat Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks in their play-in game. Now the Sixers go to New York to face the Knicks in the 2-7 series, which doesn't rule out a future matchup with the Celtics. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Tom Westerholm discuss the Heat and Bulls chances against Boston and why injuries to Butler and Caruso are the worst-case scenarios for both potential opponents.

Miami (Jimmy Butler injured), Chicago (Alex Caruso injured) play to face Boston Celtics

The Celtics hit the practice floor on Monday and it was a long, tough session. Al Horford called it a harder practice than training camp, and says he's happy with how the guys looked. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal gets into that and the difference this team is already showing from last year's team. Plus, hear Brad Stevens talk about how this team compared to his expectations and Joe Mazzulla's progression as a coach.

Boston Celtics practice 'harder than training camp'; Brad Stevens speaks

While we wait for the Celtics to find out their playoff opponent, we open up the mailbag to figure out how to avoid playoff stress, worries about how the Celtics will play, how deep they'll get into the bench, and the toughest playoff path. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal answers all that, plus questions about Derrick White's contract, Neemias Queta's impact on the depth chart, Robert Williams coming back, Jeff Van Gundy, and riding on duck boats.

Boston Celtics Mailbag: Playoff stress, Derrick White contract, Duck Boats

The Boston Celtics wrapped up the season with 64 wins, the fourth-most in team history. Payton Pritchard, Svi Mykhailiuk, Sam Hauser, and Neemias Queta all showed good stuff in the final win of the season, without Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and the regulars. We also now know the path through the playoffs for the Celtic and it looks like it might be a fun one. Plus, honoring the legend Mike Gorman on his special tribute day at the Garden.

Dec. 10: Hayward returns, Brad's inspiration, & Grant's first ever 3

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