<div align="center"> @ <font color="DarkOrange">New York Knicks</font> (0-0) @ <font color="Green">Boston Celtics</font> (0-0)</div> Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2005 Time: 7:30 PM, Eastern Time TV: MSG, FSNE, NBA League Pass Radio: 1050 ESPN Radio, WRKO 680 AM 2004-05 Stats: New York Knicks Record: 33-49 (.401) Standings: Fourth, Atlantic At Home: 22-19 On Road: 11-30 PPG: 97.3<font size="1"><font color="White">.....</font></font> Opponents: PPG: 99.7 FG%: 45.1<font size="1"><font color="White">....</font></font> Opponents: FG%: 46.5 RPG: 41.0<font size="1"><font color="White">?...</font></font> Opponents: RPG: 41.7 Boston Celtics Record: 45-37 (.549) Standings: First, Atlantic At Home: 27-14 On Road: 18-23 PPG: 101.3<font size="1"><font color="White">....</font></font> Opponents: PPG: 100.4 FG%: 46.8<font size="1"><font color="White">....</font></font> Opponents: FG%: 44.4 RPG: 40.8<font size="1"><font color="White">?...</font></font> Opponents: RPG: 42.3 <font size="3"><div align="center"><font color="DarkOrange">Knicks Starting Lineup</font></font> </div> <font size="1">All statistics are from 2004-05 season; rookie stats are from preseason.</font> <font size="1">Bold indicates leader in particular stat.</font> <font size="3"><font color="darkorange">Knicks Starters:</font></font> C:<font color="WHITE"><font size="1">..</font></font> Eddy Curry: 16.1 PPG l 5.4 RPG l 0.6 APG l PF: Antonio Davis: 7.0 PPG l 5.9 RPG l 0.6 APG SF: Quentin Richardson <font size="1">(questionable)</font>: 14.9 PPG l 6.1 RPG 2.0 APG SG: Stephon Marbury: PPG: 21.7 RPG: 3.0 APG: 8.1 PG: Jamal Crawford: PPG: 17.5 l RPG: 2.9 l APG: 4.3 <font size="3"><font color="darkorange">Knicks Bench:</font></font> Guards: [IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/draft2005/nate_robinson.jpg[/IMGl] G Nate Robinson 5?9? 180 lbs. 10.7 PPG 4.3 RPG 3.1 APG Forwards: [IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/trevor_ariza.jpg[/IMGl] F Trevor Ariza 6?8? 210 lbs. 5.9 PPG 3.0 RPG 1.1 APG [IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/matt_barnes.jpg[/IMGl] F Matt Barnes 6?7? 226 lbs. 3.8 PPG 3.1 RPG 1.3 APG [IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/malik_rose.jpg[/IMGl] F Malik Rose 6?7? 255 lbs. 8.3 PPG 4.4 RPG 0.7 APG [IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/draft2005/david_lee.jpg[/IMGl] F David Lee 6?9? 249 lbs. 6.7 PPG 4.5 RPG 1.2 APG [IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/draft2005/channing_frye.jpg[/IMGl] F/C Channing Frye 6?11? 248 lbs. 10.4 PPG 4.3 RPG 0.9 APG Centers: [IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/jerome_james.jpg[/IMGl] Jerome James 7?1? 275 lbs. 4.9 PPG 3.0 RPG 0.2 APG <font size="1">Click here for complete Knick stats</font> <font size="3"><div align="center"><font color="Green">Celtics Starting Lineup</font></font> </div> <font size="3"><font color="Green">Celtics Starters:</font></font> PG: Orien Greene: PPG: 2.8 l RPG: 1.8 l APG: 3.0 SG: Paul Pierce: PPG: 21.6 l RPG: 6.6 l APG: 4.2 SF: Ricky Davis: 16.0 PPG l RPG: 3.0 1 3.0 APG PF: Raef LaFrentz 11.1 PPG l 6.9 RPG l 1.2 APG C:<font color="WHITE"><font size="1">?</font></font> Mark Blount: 9.4 PPG l 4.8 RPG l 0.6 APG <font size="3"><font color="Green">Celtics Bench:</font></font> Guards: [IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/delonte_west.jpg[/IMGl] G Delonte West 6?4? 180 lbs. 4.5 PPG 1.7 RPG 1.4 APG [IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/dan_dickau.jpg[/IMGl] G Dan Dickau 6?0? 190 lbs. 12.5 PPG 2.5 RPG 4.9 APG Forwards: [IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/ryan_gomes.jpg[/IMGl] F Ryan Gomes 6?7? 250 lbs. 7.9 PPG 4.9 RPG 0.8 APG [IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/al_jefferson.jpg[/IMGl] F Al Jefferson 6?10? 265 lbs. 6.7 PPG 4.4 RPG 0.3 APG [IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/justin_reed.jpg[/IMGl] F Justin Reed 6?8? 240 lbs. 1.8 PPG 0.7 RPG 0.4 APG [IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/brian_scalabrine.jpg[/IMGl] F Brian Scalabrine 6?9? 235 lbs. 6.3 PPG 4.5 RPG 1.6 APG [IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/kendrick_perkins.jpg[/IMGl] C Kendrick Perkins 6?10? 280 lbs. 2.5 PPG 2.9 RPG 0.4 APG <font size="1">Click here for complete Celtic stats</font> <div align="center"><font size="3"><font color="red">Inactive List:</font></font></div> <font color="DARKORANGE">NYK:</font> G/F Penny Hardaway F Maurice Taylor C Jackie Butler <font color="GREEN">BOS:</font> G Marcus Banks: Stress fracture of the left tibia, (ruled out) G Tony Allen G/F Gerald Green <div align="center"><font color="darkgreen"><font size="3">Match-ups:</font></font> Point Guard vs. Jamal Crawford vs. Orien Greene</div> The point guard position is set for the Celtics and the Knicks; Jamal Crawford and Orien Greene will be starting. At first glance, this match-up might appear to be a piece of cake for Crawford, but take a closer look. With the exception of the top few picks in the draft, rookies tend not to start right off the bat, especially rookies on playoff teams who get picked as the 53rd overall selection. Doc Rivers wouldn?t start this kid over Delonte West and Dan Dickau for nothing. Greene obviously has talent which shouldn?t be overlooked by Crawford who has been entrusted to take care of the point guard duties by Larry Brown. In order to stay as a starter (and on the Knicks roster), Crawford needs to continue his ways from the preseason where he displayed improved awareness on the defensive end, much better shot selection, and a willingness to look for his teammates first. In this match-up, Crawford should look to thrive off of any of Greene?s rookie mistakes and use his experience to win this match-up. <div align="center">Shooting Guard vs. Stephon Marbury vs. Paul Pierce</div> Depending on Brown?s judgment, there might be some defensive switches by Crawford and Marbury, but on offense Pierce and Marbury will be going head-to-head. With Marbury now having the green light to score, expect him to take full advantage of it. His double-teaming presence should open up things for Curry to take advantage in the paint. Despite Pierce?s prowess as a defender, he won?t be able to stop Marbury, however, it goes the other way as well. No matter if it?s Crawford or Marbury guarding him, Pierce will always have his height and strength disadvantage to use on Marbury and Crawford. We?ll see what happens. I guarantee no fan will be disappointed, though! <div align="center">Small Forward vs. Quentin Richardson vs. Ricky Davis</div> This is looking to be a match-up in favor of the Celtics. Both are similar in talent, however, with Richardson weighed down with a strained hamstring, to go along with his already slow feet, how can he expect to chase around an energetic Ricky Davis who is eager to kick off the season at home? Davis should and will exploit Richardson?s injury which will more than likely result in a substitution of Trevor Ariza or Matt Barnes, two athletic wingmen who think defense first. <div align="center">Power Forward vs. Antonio Davis vs. Raef LaFrentz</div> Davis is a good defender, but this could turnout to be a nightmare match-up for him. At age 37, Davis isn?t at any age to chase around 6?11? power forwards on the perimeter. A better match-up for LaFrentz would be Malik Rose or David Lee. Anyone who guards him will have to remember his deathly touch from the perimeter. LaFrentz over his career shoots 36.3% from behind the arc, so clearly he must be guarded at all times. <div align="center">Center vs. Eddy Curry vs. Mark Blount</div> It should be an interesting match-up at center with Eddy Curry and Mark Blount facing each other. These two centers played very well in preseason, but now the true test is coming up ? the regular season. In Curry?s seven preseason games, he was simply unstoppable and his 67.5% from the field is evidence enough. His defense has been subpar, but as the preseason continued, it dramatically improved, as did his rebounding. Going against Mark Blount, one of the less gifted defensively players, Curry should try to dominate, however, without fouling. If Curry can play good defense, stay foul-free, and rebound the ball on a consistent basis, he has the potential to be a top center in the league for many years to come. Let?s hope he starts now on opening night. <font color="darkorange">Knicks Bench Summary:</font> The Knicks? depth on their roster goes all the way down to their 15th man. Energy players such as Ariza, Robinson, Barnes, and Lee can give the Knicks a lift off the bench. They can also send out veterans like Taylor, Rose, or overpaid and sometimes useful players in Hardaway and James. It?s the perfect mix of youth and age and with Brown at the helm, the bench can be used to its fullest potential. <font color="green">Celtics Bench Summary:</font> Tony Allen, Dan Dickau, Ryan Gomes, Al Jefferson, and Delonte West are a few names off the Celtics bench. These players, just like the ones on the Knicks, create youthful off the bench when the starters are getting a breather. The Celtics don?t have many veterans coming off the bench, so they will depend heavily on their youngsters. <font color="darkorange">Keys to the Game for New York:</font> Cut Down on Turnovers: In preseason, the Knicks were second in turnovers per game. If they have any hopes of stealing this game from Boston, they need to cut back on their turnovers and take better care of the ball. Usually, turnovers lead to easy fast break opportunities and considering the Knicks transition defense still isn?t where it needs to be, they?re need going to have to cut back on turnovers. Keep Up The D: The Knicks held their opponents to just a 91 points (23rd in the NBA), 43% from the field, (21st in the NBA), and killed their opponents on the boards an 8.42 board difference between them and their opponents (the most in the NBA by far). The Knicks need to keep up their defensive ways, especially against Boston, the preseasons 11th best team in FG%. Stay Out Of Foul Trouble: If preseason was any indication, the Knicks are going to need to stop the hacking. Curry, who dominated offensively and held his own defensively, could have stayed in games longer, but his knack for creating offensive fouls and sometimes picking up silly fouls cut him back. The same thing goes for Frye and James. Our best shot blockers will have to be prepared today because the Knicks perimeter defense isn?t regular season tested yet. Prediction: It?s the first regular season game for the Knicks in about 7 months. With Brown around, expect the Knicks to kick off there season opener strong. Whether they win or lose, the Knicks will play with effort?at least I hope they do. I?ll say the Knicks win this game 95-90 on opening night against the C?s. It?s a really close call, though. These teams seem evenly matched.
Great preview, and a very good look at both teams. I loved the bit where you gave credit to Orien Greene, a name that many people don't know, and probably won't until Boston rolls into town. I agree with you too, this matchup seems to be a push. We'll see how it plays out in the end. Thanks for your good work.
Nice preview except for a few things. Marbury is playing point guard for now until further notice, Brown doesnt want to play Richardson at small forward so Barnes might get the nod to start and I'm not sure but I think Delonte West is going to start at point guard for the Celtics. LaFrentz will probably get alot of good looks from the perimeter and he'll hit them too. Neither Marbury or Crawford can check Pierce so he'll end up having a pretty good game. But I do expect Curry to score alot of points against Blount. I'm not really sure who's going to win either but I'm going to give the Celtics the edge. The Knicks will keep it close for the entire game but breakdowns in the defense will give the Celtics the win. Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm not sure but I think Delonte West is going to start at point guard for the Celtics. Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired.</div> Nope, Greene is getting the starting reins for now. And yes, Isiah should be run from the sport.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting j0se:</div><div class="quote_post">Nice as always but one mistake Davis shut down Dirk in preseason, he's a phenom</div> Ummm. It's fairly safe to say Dirk shut himself down that game. I think we all know Davis is not quick enough to guard Dirk. Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired.
Thanks for the comments, guys. I just simply went with my best judgment on the match-ups and the lineups. It's hard to use preseason to make a regular season game, but in the next few games I should get an idea of everything.
The way the Celtics win this one is if it becomes a Crawford-Marbury vs Paul-Davis shootout. NY wont win that battle. Curry is so muck quicker than people give him credit for. his quickness will make him a pain to guard. I got the Knicks winning this because no one will be able to stop Curry. Brown will ensure that the knicks get curry involved. BUt if the Celts can deny Curry the ball they can win this one by a hair.
Nice preview, Mike. Had to steal it. The key to this game for the Celtics will be taking advantage of the defensive mismatches. Particularly Marbury or Crawford on Pierce or Davis. Either one will dominate that matchup, and hopefully stop Brown from keeping the lineup the way he wants it. I also think Blount will have a big game, mostly because he'll have nobody guarding him. Other than that, I have no idea what's going to happen. First game of the season, and I can't wait. I'm excited for so many reasons. The number one reason being Gomes' career debut. I got the C's 101-98.
Thank God the Season is Starting We're listening currently to P2 interviewing with Greg Dickerson, and he just swore, so I'm already interested. I'm so pumped about this year. Next up is the season opener, stay tuned. Pierce looks great, and I can't wait to see this team play against LB and the Knicks.
The game is about to start. I haven't heard who's starting at PG yet. Wow, this opening montage is awesome. EDIT- Delonte West is your starting PG
Tied at 12 right now, but we can't steal a board. Man, I wish they'd start Perkins and let him be our Ben Wallace.
For the record Delonte started at the point for the C's and Q was in at SG for the Knicks with Steph running the point.
First quarter was just about what we all expected. Lot of offense, no defense, good bit of running (although not smart running), and interesting roster differences. I still don't understand why Greene isn't starting, but who am I? Pierce looks phenomenal, but he also looks like he needs some help out there, and he isn't getting it so far. See you in twelve minutes.
The difference in this game is that the Knicks are making shots, while we keep missing them. I'm actually kinda happy it's within 10 at this point. Hopefully the tides will turn and we'll get ours.
Not only am I a huge Bill Simmons (aka the Sports Guy) fan but I also agree with him on one (among many other) thing about the Celtics: Scalabrine is garbage. The second unit looked horrible, with basically everyone just standing around the perimeter and Ricky heaving up uncalled for and forced shots. Scalabrine just mopes around, creates turnovers, and misses shots while playing horrible defense. Marbury has gotten easy looks under the basket plenty of times because Scals can switch on the picks they set on Delonte West. Honestly, get this guy off the floor.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting H.ayes:</div><div class="quote_post">Not only am I a huge Bill Simmons (aka the Sports Guy) fan but I also agree with him on one (among many other) thing about the Celtics: Scalabrine is garbage. The second unit looked horrible, with basically everyone just standing around the perimeter and Ricky heaving up uncalled for and forced shots. Scalabrine just mopes around, creates turnovers, and misses shots while playing horrible defense. Marbury has gotten easy looks under the basket plenty of times because Scals can switch on the picks they set on Delonte West. Honestly, get this guy off the floor.</div>I agree, but I think Gomes did pretty well, though. Oh, and my boy Delonte just ripped the ball from Curry. That was nasty! The strange thing is that they didn't call a foul on him. I guess the refs feel bad about Curry's heart, so they call a foul whenever somebody gets within 5 feet of him. BTW- Delonte has 7 boards already.
Delonte West is having a MONSTER game. Not only is he putting up numbers (9-7-3) but he's playing hustle ball and sensational defense. It was magical watching him take the ball coast to coast off a rebound and by Nate Robinson. In the words of Tommy Heinson "Nate the Great just got deked out of his little Knick sneakers!" His block was simply dominant and then to top it off he pulled down an offensive rebound weak side over Taylor and Curry! I'm not impressed with Ricky Davis right now. I'm not sure where he is, but he's not playing so great. I'm starting to think Ricky should be the guy leaving town, not Paul. What if we traded Ricky for a pure shooter who can spread the floor out rather than keeping someone who's a slasher with fairly poor court vision? Just ideas..
