The Celtics are listed as the favorite by virtually...everyone. And have been since before the season. So obviously the consensus is they are the best team and not at all lucky to be in the ECF. The idea they are some sort of media victim is just silly.I think perhaps what you're missing from Celtics fans is the annoyance that the media is like oh Denver way better because they won a title and Celtics so lucky to even be in the ECF bc whomever they play has injuries (with some but a little mention of Zing being out) and then Denver with no notable injuries bows out in the second round, it's now again that the Celtics have it so easy bc the team with no notable injuries just lost. EDIT: This like media 101 in our era. It's kinda maddening.
To point out -- correctly -- that the opposition in the playoffs has been, er, quite underwhelming 1) is also correct and 2) doesn't contradict that the Celts would still be a favorite if their opponents were better/healthier.