Post by FLCeltsFan on Nov 26, 2017 22:21:14 GMT -5
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Detroit Pistons (12-6) at Boston Celtics (18-3)
Monday, November 27, 2017
7:30 PM ET
Regular Season Game [HASH]22, Home Game [HASH]10
TV: NBCSB, FSD, NBA-LP 754(DTV), 755(xfinity)
Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 105.1 FM
TD Garden
Probable Starters
PG: Kyrie Irving
SG: Jaylen Brown
SF: Jayson Tatum
PF: Al Horford
C: Aron Baynes
Celtics Reserves
Shane Larkin
Abdel Nader
Semi Ojeleye
Daniel Theis
Guerschon Yabusele
Terry Rozier
Marcus Smart
Aron Baynes
Injuries
Jaylen Brown (personal) probable
Marcus Morris (knee) probable
Gordon Hayward (ankle) out
Two Way Players
Kadeem Allen
Jabari Bird
Head Coach
Brad Stevens
Probable Starters
PG: Reggie Jackson
SG: Avery Bradley
SF: Stanley Johnson
PF: Tobias Harris
C: Andre Drummond
Pistons Reserves
Reggie Bullock
Henry Ellenson
Langston Galloway
Luke Kennard
Boban Marjanovic
Eric Moreland
Ish Smith
Anthony Tolliver
Injuries
Jon Leuer (ankle) out
Two Way Players
Dwight Buycks
Luis Montero
Head Coach
Stan VanGundy
Game Notes
The Celtics begin a 5 game home stand as they welcome the Detroit Pistons for the first of 3 meetings this season. They will meet twice more in Detroit on December 10 and February 23.
The Celtics lead the Eastern Conference and the Pistons are right behind them in 2nd place just 4.5 games back.
The Celtics have won two straight and are playing in the 3rd game in 4 nights. The Pistons are looking to win their second straight but haven't played since their 99-98 come from behind win over the Thunder on Friday night. The Celtics are 8-1 at home while the Pistons are 5-4 on the road. The Celtics won the series 3-1 last season, winning both games in Detroit and splitting the two games in Boston.
In the offseason, the Celtics traded Avery Bradley, who had been with the Celtics for 7 seasons, to the Pistons in exchange for Marcus Morris. The trade has worked out well for both teams and this is the first time for both players facing their old teams. Avery should get a warm welcome from the fans and former teammates alike.
Jaylen Brown missed Saturday's game due to the funeral of his best friend. I expect him to be back to play in this game. Marcus Morris sat out Saturday's game with knee soreness and I also expect him to be back for this game. I included Aron Baynes in the starting lineup because I think he matches up better with Drummond. However, Brad may go with Morris to start.
Jon Leuer is out with an ankle injury for Detroit. I've included the starters from the Pistons' game notes. The last time these two teams met, Avery Bradley was starting for the Celtics and Marcus Morris started for the Pistons.
Key Matchups
vs Kyrie Irving vs Reggie Jackson
Jackson is averaging 15.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. Kyrie has been the best point guard in every matchup this season and there's no reason to think that he will do otherwise in this one.
vs Al Horford vs Tobias Harris
Harris is leading the Pistons with 18.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. Al has been the key to the Celtics defense this season and he will need to keep Harris from having a big game in this one.
Honorable Mention
Jaylen Brown vs Avery Bradley
Avery, who is the Pistons' best defender will likely defend Kyrie to try to slow him down. Whether Jaylen guards Avery or Reggie, he will have a height advantage and should be able to win the matchup.
Keys to the Game
Defense- Defense wins games and the Celtics have been winning with their defense. The Celtics are 14-0 when they hold opponents under 100. The Celtics are still ranked first with a defensive rating of 97.1. The Pistons are 13th with a defensive rating of 103.7. The Celtics have to continue to make defense a priority.
Rebound - Rebounding takes effort and desire. The Celtics will need both in order to beat front line of the Pistons to the rebounds. The Celtics have rebounded very well in most games this season but in their loss to the Heat, they allowed the heat to out-rebound them. The Celtics are 6th with 46.3 rebounds per game. The Pistons are 18th with 42.8 rebounds per game but the Pistons are 6th in second chance points with 13.9 per game. The Celtics have to put out the effort to keep the Pistons off the boards.
Be Aggressive - The Celtics need to be aggressive in going for loose balls, rebounding and defending. They also have to be aggressive in going to the basket and not settle for threes especially if they aren't falling . Good things happen when they get inside. They have to be hungry and play like the team that wants it more. They have to play aggressively for 48 minutes.
X-Factors
Home Game - The Celtics are at home and should get a boost from the home crowd. Also, the Pistons are 5-4 on the road and so the Celtics need to take advantage of the friendly atmosphere and exploit the Pistons' struggles on the road.
Motivation - The Celtics are at the top of the Eastern Conference and the Pistons are second just 4.5 games behind them. The Celtics should be motivated to get this win and move another game ahead of them. The Pistons, on the other hand, are looking to gain a game on the Celtics and move closer to the top themselves. Which team's motivation will be stronger?
