Chris Forsberg, Eddie House make C's predictions for 2023

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What a year it was for the Boston Celtics.

Though they fell short in their mission to bring Banner 18 to TD Garden, the C's made tremendous strides in 2022. They bounced back from a rough 2021 and made it all the way to Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. So far in the 2022-23 campaign, they own a league-best 26-10 record that gives them the first-place spot in the Eastern Conference.

Forsberg: The Robert Williams effect is lifting Celtics to new heights

Of course, there is plenty of work still to be done during what's sure to be an eventful next few months. Will 2023 be a year to remember for Boston? Chris Forsberg and Eddie House shared their 2023 Celtics predictions on a new episode of the Celtics Talk Podcast.

Celtics Talk: Celtics wild 2022 ride and bold predictions for 2023 with Eddie House | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube

"When Blake (Griffin) plays big minutes against Giannis (Antetokounmpo) in the playoffs and is a serviceable defender like we saw at times on Christmas Day, we'll look back and be like, 'Wow, Brad (Stevens) knew when he added him to the roster there would be a moment, and Blake was ready for that moment,'" Forsberg said. "Maybe that's the tipping point. Maybe that's just enough to help you win a tough series against the Milwaukee Bucks."

House predicts the Celtics' young superstar will earn his first NBA MVP trophy next summer.

"Jayson Tatum wins the MVP," House said. "I really believe if he continues to play the way he's been playing, and they continue to win, that there will be no way that you can't give it to him. You have to give it to the best player on the best team. And we've seen voter fatigue before. (Nikola) Jokic has a great opportunity. He's been balling and they're in first place. So if he continues to put up big numbers like that, maybe they have voter fatigue.

"If he puts up big numbers and they're still at the top of the West, that'll be a guy that can challenge Jayson Tatum. But if Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics continue to win and he continues to put up these numbers, he will be the MVP. It's not that much of a bold prediction, but that's as far as I want to go."

Also discussed in the episode: Did you think 2022 would unfold the way it did for the Celtics? Favorite moments from the Celtics 2022 playoff run. Do the Celtics need to make any roster changes before the NBA trade deadline? And Wyc Grousbeck & Steve Pagliuca reflect on the acquisition of Brad Stevens and the modern Celtics.

Check out the latest episode of the Celtics Talk Podcast on the NBC Sports Boston Podcast Network or watch it on YouTube below. 

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