But he claims he hasn’t looked at the top three teams in the standings (Cavs, Magic, Hawks), or how far ahead of the Celtics they are. I guess he uses his hand to cover up the top three teams while he checks the bottom of the standings. Yeah, that sounds right.

No matter how often he checks — or doesn’t check — the standings, Rivers has a team he’d like the Celtics to play. (Boston Globe)

Where the Celtics end up and whom they’ll play isn’t completely in their control. But if Rivers had his way, he absolutely has a preference for a first-round opponent.

“But,’’ he said with a grin, “they’re not going to make it.’’

Perhaps he wants to play the Washington Generals?