Can the Celtics snag the number one seed?

The Boston Celtics are a few games back from first place and have a great opportunity in front of them.

With Jayson Tatum back, the Celtics are (nearly) at full strength with the home stretch coming up. While being the number two seed in the east wasn't on anybody's bingo card for this squad, what about number one? The Celtics are currently four games behind Detroit for the top slot.

Cade Cunningham is out.

The Detroit Pistons star is out for at least two weeks after suffering a collapsed lung a few days ago. Cunningham has been on a tear this season, averaging 24.5 points, six rebounds and 10 assists per game. He was selected number one overall a few years ago for a reason and he's really starting to put the pieces together. Cunningham is a fun player to watch, a 6'6, 220 pound guard that can get anywhere on the floor, has is quick and has great vision.

The Pistons have the Lakers, Hawks, Pelicans, Timberwolves (2x), Thunder and Raptors over their next seven. Cunningham is slated to miss at least all of these contests. They're all winnable for this Pistons team, but could pose challenges without their best player. Luka is on fire, the Wolves are a great team and the Thunder are the defending champions.

This is an opportunity for the Celtics.

While Detroit waits for their star to return, Boston has (thankfully) finished waiting. The Celtics are finding their groove again with Tatum, and while Vucevic remains out (a big loss for this squad), they have enough to make a push for that top spot in the conference.

Boston's next seven games are: Wolves, Thunder, Hawks, Hornets, Hawks, Heat, Bucks. All these teams still present challenges and won't let the Celtics just walk all over them as the season nears its end. It remains to be seen in Milwaukee will be without Giannis, as there growing reports he is pushing to play while the organization is wanting him to sit out the rest of the season.

There's a real chance that the Celtics make things interesting for that number one seed. It's a race to keep an eye on, can the young Pistons hold on without their star or will the seasoned Celtics come knocking on their door?

Home court for the playoffs would be huge for such an up and coming squad in Detroit. They were feisty in the playoffs last year, pushing the Knicks to six games before falling short. All the games were competitive and it was easy to see Detroit taking the steps it has this year to get even better. Having home court would make things more comfortable for a squad still feeling their way out in the postseason.

For Boston, it would be nice. Who doesn't want to play at home? Especially if they end up facing Detroit in a possible conference finals matchup. Detroit is a difficult place to play, the crowd is loud and raucous and you'd most certainly prefer to be in front of the TD Garden.

A fun twist to end an exciting and unexpected regular season for Boston, and hopefully one that see's them sneak into that first place spot.