We also shouldn't discount the potential for karma-related disaster. For example, it's only a matter of time before Kevin Garnett pounds his chest without realizing he's holding an ice pick. The nasty puncture wound could cost him a game, at least. Eventually (and it might be this season), World's Greatest Player Paul Pierce and a temporarily bum leg will be carried to the locker room, where nobody figures out (until it's too late) that the door has been locked from the outside.

But the most severe challenge should occur when the Celtics make a Western swing in mid-to-late February.

The hayride begins in New Orleans, where Chris Paul and the Hornets will again try to demonstrate that Boston's defense really isn't exempt from dribble penetration.

The Cs take on the Mavericks in Dallas the following night, with a Jazz date in Salt Lake City scheduled a week later. Boston closes this journey with back-to-backs in Phoenix — where the Suns will either be flying high or blown up — and Denver.

I understand the focus and commitment of Boston's Big Three and am quite aware that Cs fans consider Kendrick Perkins the second coming of Moses Malone. I also have noticed that Rajon Rondo has become tougher to stay in front of than morning breath.

But while the Celtics certainly would be hard to pick against in June, I think they're a bit less reliable than the Thunder when it comes to reaching 70.