MassLive's John Karalis discusses the loss to Toronto, including Brad Stevens' thoughts on finally getting Marcus Smart to play with Kemba, Jaylen, Jayson, & Hayward. Also: the Jays show why they work so well together
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Dec. 30- Marcus Smart's return in the Raptors loss & the Jays showing out in the Cavs win

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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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.

Boston Celtics win 64 games; favorable playoff path? Mike Gorman honored

The  Celtics mailed it in  again against the Knicks, falling behind by 30 before the bench made the final score look respectable.  There isn't really much to take from this game, but John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal tries to answer the question of whether the Celtics are relaxing to end the season, or relapsing into their worst habits. Also, a look at the playoff picture and why this loss might actually work out come playoff time.

Boston Celtics relaxing or relapsing in loss to New York Knicks?

Holiday and the Celtics have agreed to a huge new extension that saves Boston some money in the short-term and makes sure they have their core together for a few more seasons. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Tom Westerholm discuss the deal, what it means to the Celtics, why it's the perfect timing for the deal, and what it could mean long-term. Plus, hear Joe Mazzulla's explanation of how the Celtics need to mentally approach the playoffs.

Boston Celtics, Jrue Holiday, agree to 4-year, $135 million extension

Giannis Antetokounmpo fell and grabbed his calf just running up the floor against the Celtics and was diagnosed with a calf strain. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal talks about that injury, the possibility of it being serious, and how it might change the entire course of the East playoffs. Plus, why the game was mostly a make/miss thing, but it did lead to one playoff question that's been lingering for a little while.

Dec. 30- Marcus Smart's return in the Raptors loss & the Jays showing out in the Cavs win

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