Of course, in last year's playoff run, the Celtics operated without Kristaps Porzingis in the lineup most of the time as he navigated various injuries, and Al Horford was able to hold down the frontcourt fort enough to help Boston cruise to the title.

However, there's no denying that the Celtics are a different animal when the unicorn is on the floor, as Porzingis brings spacing that extends well beyond the three-point line, as well as rim protection that Boston doesn't have anywhere else on the roster.

In any case, the Celtics will next take the floor on Saturday evening at home against the Toronto Raptors. That game is slated to tip off at 8:00 PM ET.