Say this for the Celtics. They are one optimistic, happy group of campers, their 17 wins notwithstanding. At the halfway point of the 2005-06 season, only eight teams have fewer wins, but there the Celtics stand, a mere two games behind Washington, tonight's opponent, for the coveted No. 8 playoff spot in the cutthroat Eastern Conference. (Full article: 1075 words)

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