Celtics - Playoffs or Lottery Bound?

I am torn and have been for a few weeks now over this. With 13 games remaining and a nice win last night, the C’s find themselves within striking distance of the 8^th and final playoff spot and a death match with Detroit. Do we want this to happen? I was lobbying against this weeks ago saying the Celts should just lose now and get the highest draft pick they can in the lottery. But that was before Pierce went on his scoring streak and spurred the C’s on to a bunch of victories. At one time they were in line for the 4^th pick in the draft and only 2 games within the 2^nd or 3^rd picks. Yes, their record was that bad! Now they are in line for the 9^th pick in the draft and only a half game behind three teams, which could drop them to a 12^th pick very easily. With no instantly gifted special franchise players coming out this season (LeBron, Duncan, etc...), will a high pick make any difference for this team anyway?… especially one as low as 9-12. Even the top 3 picks will be suspect to make any type of impact next season for any team. So how much does getting the young guys some playoff experience mean? Obviously Detroit will take us out in a first round match-up. But all those potential games, even the losses, would probably benefit Delonte and Gomes and Kendrick and Al-Jeff and Tony Allen, etc… Plus an upset win or 2 would be even more beneficial to build towards next season. This team is already young enough, so adding yet another young lottery pick doesn’t really help us from where I’m looking down. We already have a Gerald Green riding the pine with all his future potential. So I’m going back on my previous decision and saying now I am hoping the C’s can make the playoffs. Even that is still a long-shot as I believe this morning they are still 4 games out of the 8^th spot that Philly currently is holding. So with 13 games remaining, they’ll need much help from other teams along with winning their own. But I guess now, either way I won’t be too upset as I like their chances to grow for next season. These young guys along with Pierce and Wally make a fun team to watch at least. GO CELTS!