Post by FLCeltsFan on Apr 5, 2016 22:10:03 GMT -5
at 
New Orleans Pelicans (29-48) at Boston Celtics (45-32)
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
7:30 PM ET
Regular Season Game [HASH]78 – Home Game [HASH]38
TV: CSN-NE, FSNOLA, NBA-LP 755(DTV)/755(xfinity)
Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, WRNO 99.5, Sirius 212
TD Garden
Probable Starters
Point Guard
Isaiah Thomas
Shooting Guard
Avery Bradley
Small Forward
Jae Crowder
Power Forward
Amir Johnson
Center
Jared Sullinger
Celtics Reserves
Marcus Smart
RJ Hunter
Jonas Jerebko
Terry Rozier
James Young
Kelly Olynyk
Jordan Mickey
Tyler Zeller
Injuries
Evan Turner (eye) out
Head Coach
Brad Stevens
Probable Starters
Point Guard
Tim Frazier
Shooting Guard
Toney Douglas
Small Forward
Luke Babbitt
Power Forward
Dante Cunningham
Center
Alexis Ajinca
Pelicans Reserves
James Ennis
Kendrick Perkins
Jordan Hamilton
Omer Asik
Injuries
Ryan Anderson (hernia) out
Anthony Davis (knee) out
Quincy Pondexter (knee) out
Tyreke Evans (knee) out
Bryce Dejean Jones (wrist) out
Eric Gordon (finger) out
Jrue Holiday (orbital fracture) out
Alonzo Gee (quad) out
Norris Cole (back) questionable
Head Coach
Alvin Gentry
Game Notes
The Celtics welcome what's left of the New Orleans Pelicans to the Garden for their only visit this season. The Pelicans have been hit very hard with injuries this season with 8 players out and one more questionable. They are just 9-30 on the road while the Celtics are 25-12 at home. The Celtics are 6-4 in their last 10 games while the Pelicans are 4-6 in their last 10.
The Pelicans are playing in the second of back to back games, having lost to the Sixers in Philadelphia on Tuesday night. The Celtics are back at home after their 5 game western road trip. They last played on Sunday and so, even with the travel, they should be rested and ready to go in this one, although the first game at home after a long road trip is always a tricky one.
The Celtics won the series 2-0 last season and lead the series 1-0 this season after beating the Pelicans 111-93 in New Orleans back in December. The Pelicans have a 3 game losing streak in Boston. Alvin Gentry is 9-12 all time vs the Celtics while Brad Stevens is 4-2 all time vs New Orleans.
The Celtics are 4th in the East just 1/2 game behind Atlanta (3). The Celtics are tied with Miami (5) but hold the tie breaker over them. They are 1 game ahead of Charlotte (6) and 4 games ahead of Indiana (7). The Pelicans started out the season with much promise, but were derailed by injuries and now sit 12th in the West and just want to limp to the end of the season.
Key Matchups
vs Isaiah Thomas vs Tim Frazier
Tim Frazier has played with the Celtics in camp and has spent a lot of time with the Red Claws. He was signed last season by Portland but was cut by them this season and on March 16, the depleted Pelicans signed him for the rest of the year. Frazier is averaging just 4.3 points,1.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists but he has put up some big numbers from time to time. He had 12 points, 9 assists and 3 steals on Tuesday.
vs Jared Sullinger vs Alexis Ajinca
Ajinca averages 5.5 poionts and 4.3 rebounds. Tuesday night vs the Sixers, he had 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Honorable Mention
Kelly Olynyk vs Kendrick Perkins
Perk makes his only visit to Boston and will come off the bench for the Pelicans. He was signed by them to mostly mentor Anthony Davis, but with all the injuries, he has gotten quite a bit of playing time this season. On Tuesday he had 8 points and 7 rebounds. He may not be the same player that was the starting center on the 2008 championship team, but he can still defend and box out and set a mean pick. He also still has the best scowl in the league.
Keys to the Game
Defense - Defense will always be the key to winning. The Celtics have got to play tough defense and get stops if they want to win this game. The Celtics have to play strong defense from start to finish to keep them from scoring at will.
Rebound - The Celtics have to crash the boards as a team. Rebounding takes effort and the Celtics have to show that effort on the boards. When they put that extra effort out to dominate the boards, it often translates to all other areas of the game as well.
Be Aggressive - The Celtics have got to be aggressive in going to the basket, playing defense, diving for loose balls and just playing harder. In the first game back after a long road trip, teams sometimes come out sluggish, but the Celtics need to shake all that off and be the more aggressive team and the team that works harder.
Run and Move the Ball - The Celtics play best when they run on every possession and also run back on defense to get set up before the Pelicans begin their offense. They also have to move the ball as when they over dribble and try to do too much individually, the offense gets stagnant. Run and Pass. With the Pelicans on the second night of back to back games and very short handed, if the Celtics run, they can wear them out.
X-Factors
Focus - I've mentioned that the first game back at home after a road trip is often a tough one. The Celtics have to focus on finishing strong down the stretch. Home court in the first round of the playoffs is within reach but the Celtics have to stay focused and fight for it.
Home Court - The Celtics have played very well at home and hopefully that continues in this game. They should get a boost from the home crowd and they need to protect their home court.
Officiating - The officiating is always an x-factor. When the officials let them play and don't try to over control the game, the Celtics play best. Of course, there is always the chance of an official having a personal agenda or the league sending a message.
