The Boston Celtics have long been a powerhouse in the NBA's Eastern Conference, but recent postseason performances have sparked a heated debate: Are they slipping behind their rivals in the East's pecking order?

Let's break it down. After a tough playoff exit, it's hard to argue the Celtics should rank above the New York Knicks, who have been making serious noise. The Philadelphia 76ers, despite a disappointing series against the Knicks in the 2026 Eastern Conference Semifinals, have a strong case for leapfrogging Boston in the hierarchy. Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons finished ahead of the Celtics in the 2025-26 regular season standings and are still competing in the postseason—so can we really say Boston is the better team right now?

Even the Cleveland Cavaliers, after a subpar regular season, are still alive in the playoffs. That raises an uncomfortable question for Celtics fans: Has Boston fallen to fifth-best in the East?

The crew from the "WEEI Boston Sports Original" YouTube channel tackled this topic on "The Greg Hill Show," diving into whether the Celtics are losing ground to their conference foes. It's a conversation that hits close to home for anyone who bleeds green—and it's a reminder that in the fast-paced world of the NBA, staying on top requires more than just a legendary name. Whether you're repping your team with a classic jersey or a fresh pair of kicks, this debate is one every basketball fan needs to hear.