The Boston Celtics had another inexcusable loss on Thursday to the Atlanta Hawks when Dejounte Murray exploded for 44 points and hit the game-winning shot in overtime.

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

It was the latest in a string of alarming losses that should have their fans concerned about the playoffs, which start in less than a month.

Boston’s status as the Eastern Conference’s top seed seems safe, but as it stands now, they would face either the Philadelphia 76ers or Miami Heat in the first round of the postseason.

Nick Wright made a provocative statement on FS1’s “First Things First” when he said that No. 1 seeds in sports should be able to pick their postseason opponents, and he lamented Boston’s first-round matchup against Philly or Miami as unjust.

Should No. 1 seeds, across sports, be able to pick their postseason opponent?

“The Celtics’ path kinda sucks. They’re likely playing Philly or Miami in Round 1. Facing Embiid in Rd 1 would feel a little unjust.” — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/49cGPPF3J2

— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) March 29, 2024

Letting a No. 1 seed pick its postseason opponents would be an earth-shattering change to the four major pro sports leagues, and it could open up a can of worms, especially when it comes to rearranging the other playoff matchups.

The Celtics would likely welcome such a change this year, but if they’re truly the championship team many have claimed they are, they shouldn’t care who they face to begin the playoffs.

They need to adopt a different attitude if they are going to go all the way and claim their 18th NBA championship this summer, because they have had some alarming losses lately.

On Monday, they blew a 30-point lead against the same Hawks team they lost to on Thursday, and earlier this month, they gave up a 22-point fourth-quarter advantage and lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Boston has just two weeks to get ready for the “second season,” because once they get there, nothing will be easy or given.