<div align="center"> <span style="font-size:24pt;line-height:100%">@</span> March 26, 2007 - 7:30 pm ET</div> <span style="color:#FF0000">Toronto Raptors</span> <span style="color:#000000">(38-31)</span> <span style="color:#000000">PG</span> <span style="color:#FF0000">T.J. Ford</span> <span style="color:#000000">SG</span> <span style="color:#FF0000">Juan Dixon</span> <span style="color:#000000">SF</span> <span style="color:#FF0000">Jorge Garbajosa</span> <span style="color:#000000">PF</span> <span style="color:#FF0000">Chris Bosh</span> <span style="color:#000000">C</span> <span style="color:#FF0000">Rasho Nesterovic</span> <span style="color:#000000">Key Bench Players:</span> <span style="color:#FF0000">Anthony Parker, Morris Peterson, Jose Calderon, Joey Graham, Kris Humphries</span> <span style="color:#009900">Boston Celtics</span> <span style="color:#000000">(20-49)</span> <span style="color:#000000">PG</span> <span style="color:#009900">Rajon Rondo</span> <span style="color:#000000">SG</span> <span style="color:#009900">Delonte West</span> <span style="color:#000000">SF</span> <span style="color:#009900">Paul Pierce</span> <span style="color:#000000">PF</span> <span style="color:#009900">Al Jefferson</span> <span style="color:#000000">C</span> <span style="color:#009900">Kendrick Perkins</span> <span style="color:#000000">Key Bench Players:</span> <span style="color:#009900">Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair, Leon Powe, Allan Ray</span> Injury Report <span style="color:#000000">TOR:</span> <span style="color:#FF0000">Andrea Bargnani will not play (recovering from appendectomy)</span> <span style="color:#000000">BOS:</span> <span style="color:#009900">Wally Szczerbiak is out for season (ankle surgery)</span> <span style="color:#000000">BOS:</span> <span style="color:#009900">Tony Allen is out for season (torn ACL/MCL)</span> <span style="color:#000000">BOS:</span> <span style="color:#009900">Brian Scalabrine is out for season (strained left hamstring)</span> <span style="color:#000000">BOS:</span> <span style="color:#009900">Theo Ratliff is out for season (back surgery)</span> Who To Watch Out For <span style="color:#FF0000">Chris Bosh</span> <span style="color:#000000">Season Stats: 22.7 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 2.4 apg</span> <span style="color:#FF0000">T.J. Ford</span> <span style="color:#000000">Season Stats: 14.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 8.0 apg</span> <span style="color:#009900">Paul Pierce</span> <span style="color:#000000">Season Stats: 24.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 4.0 apg</span> <span style="color:#009900">Al Jefferson</span> <span style="color:#000000">Season Stats: 15.4 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 1.5 bpg</span> <span style="color:#000000">As A Starter: 16.4 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 1.6 bpg</span> <span style="color:#009900">Delonte West</span> <span style="color:#000000">Season Stats: 11.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 4.5 apg</span> <span style="color:#000000">As A Starter: 13.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 5.3 apg</span> Rookie Watch <span style="color:#000000">TOR:</span> <span style="color:#FF0000">Jorge Garbajosa</span> <span style="color:#000000">Overall Selection: Undrafted</span> <span style="color:#000000">Season Stats:</span> <span style="color:#FF0000">8.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.9 apg</span> <span style="color:#000000">As A Starter:</span> <span style="color:#FF0000">9.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.0 apg</span> <span style="color:#000000">TOR:</span> <span style="color:#FF0000">Uros Slokar</span> <span style="color:#000000">Overall Selection: Undrafted</span> <span style="color:#000000">Season Stats:</span> <span style="color:#FF0000">1.2 ppg, 0.7 rpg</span> <span style="color:#000000">BOS:</span> <span style="color:#009900">Rajon Rondo</span> <span style="color:#000000">Overall Selection: 21</span> <span style="color:#000000">Season Stats:</span> <span style="color:#009900">5.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.5 spg</span> <span style="color:#000000">As A Starter:</span> <span style="color:#009900">8.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 6.3 apg, 2.5 spg</span> <span style="color:#000000">BOS:</span> <span style="color:#009900">Leon Powe</span> <span style="color:#000000">Overall Selection: 49</span> <span style="color:#000000">Season Stats:</span> <span style="color:#009900">3.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg</span> <span style="color:#000000">BOS:</span> <span style="color:#009900">Allan Ray</span> <span style="color:#000000">Overall Selection: Undrafted</span> <span style="color:#000000">Season Stats:</span> <span style="color:#009900">5.2 ppg, 1.4 rpg</span> <span style="color:#FF0000">Toronto's X-Factor</span> <span style="color:#FF0000">Rasho Nesterovic</span> <span style="color:#000000">Season Stats: 6.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.1 bpg</span> <span style="color:#000000">As A Starter: 6.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.1 bpg</span> <span style="color:#FF0000">Rasho has bothered Big Al a bit this year due to his size. Granted, Al wasn't necessarily playing like this last time we played Toronto, but Rasho's size did bother Al. Tonight, Big Al will have problems with either Rasho or Bosh, so we'll see how he does. But Rasho needs to just play tough defense, don't let Al work him down low, and make sure Perk doesn't have another 10 rebound night.</span> <span style="color:#009900">Boston's X-Factor</span> <span style="color:#009900">Ryan Gomes</span> <span style="color:#000000">Season Stats: 11.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.7 apg</span> <span style="color:#000000">Coming Off the Bench: 8.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.2 apg</span> <span style="color:#009900">I know Gomes is just returning, but he needs to step it up a little bit. I want to see the same old Ryan Gomes we have been all year long - consistent, husting, and knocking down that 18 foot jumper with ease.</span> <div align="center">Key Matchup vs. <span style="color:#FF0000">Chris Bosh</span> <span style="color:#000000">vs.</span> <span style="color:#009900">Al Jefferson</span></div> <span style="color:#000000">Bosh vs. Big Al. Bosh is obviously the better young big man, but Big Al has made excellent strides. Al will want to redeem himself after having his worst offensive game this year the other night, but it will be no easy task with Rasho and Bosh on him. We'll see.</span> CelticBalla's Extra Thoughts/Notes Play Bassy. CelticBalla's Prediction It's winnable, but I don't see us taking it. Toronto is the better team, they are actually getting ready for the playoffs. According to Doc, we are just "evaluating." Yeah, that's one way to put it...
I soooooo hope this game is on one of the Canadian sports channels.I'll be rootin for the Raps come playoff time as I love Bosh's game (was really hoping he'd go FA and Celts would pick him up)The Raptors are an excellent example of what having the right GM can do to turn around a franchise.
If TJ and Chris played like they played vs. Orlando, we've got this game. We do have Jose back, but we will struggle without AP and Andrea. When we get AP back, we'll be alright, but with both of them out it's a bit of a concern.
This is going to be a great matchup between Bosh and Jefferson. Al Jefferson has been unbelievable since all-star break. However, I look for Toronto to take this one.
Jaun Dixon needs to step up. Should be a good game. Boston has a good chance if Pierce, Big Al, and Delonte step it up enough. However expect Bosh not to score much tonight, as he doesn't want to tweak his ankle, ever though he said he doesn't have pain. Ford needs to have a big game. Anyone know if Luke Jackson playing?
He's not going to score alot because he's worried about injuring his ankle?????Sometimes you just don't make sense, Raptorsfan :no3:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (RaptorFan#1 @ Mar 26 2007, 02:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Jaun Dixon needs to step up. Should be a good game. Boston has a good chance if Pierce, Big Al, and Delonte step it up enough. However expect Bosh not to score much tonight, as he doesn't want to tweak his ankle, ever though he said he doesn't have pain. Ford needs to have a big game. Anyone know if Luke Jackson playing?</div>I'm guessing Luke Jackson plays for Toranto? If not, then he was released from us a longggg time ago.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AiRuPtHeRe? @ Mar 26 2007, 04:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I'm guessing Luke Jackson plays for Toranto? If not, then he was released from us a longggg time ago.</div>We just signed him for a 10 day.
Luke Jackson will be making his first appearance tonight. He is looking for revenge against the Celtics for releasing him. He was injured at the time, and was unable to show what he could do. Instead of going to Europe for the big $ he stayed in the D-League, because all he cares about is the NBA. Anthony Parker will be back as well this game. And of course he will be guarding PP. I expect the Celtics to come out fighting. The youngsters need to play hard if they want to prove that they will still belong in Boston next season.
Celticballa, just a heads up. Anthony Parker WILL play tonight.http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketbal...836199-sun.html
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CB4AllStar @ Mar 26 2007, 05:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Celticballa, just a heads up. Anthony Parker WILL play tonight.http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketbal...836199-sun.html</div>I dont think he will get many minutes. He tweaked it last time he came in early. I think he will even start off the bench if Mitchell is smart. We need his defense come playoff time, espcially if we are facing the Heat, or the Bulls, we need him period.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CB4AllStar @ Mar 26 2007, 05:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Celticballa, just a heads up. Anthony Parker WILL play tonight. http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketbal...836199-sun.html</div> That doesn't give a definite on whether he'll start or not, so I'll have him come off the bench. But I hope he doesn't play, he absolutely torched us last time. Toronto always comes up with Celtic killers. First Mo-Pete, now Parker? Yay..
I would like to think that no road game is an easy win. Chris Bosh isn?t 100% so there is so much we can expect from him.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticBalla32 @ Mar 26 2007, 06:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>That doesn't give a definite on whether he'll start or not, so I'll have him come off the bench. But I hope he doesn't play, he absolutely torched us last time. Toronto always comes up with Celtic killers. First Mo-Pete, now Parker? Yay.. </div>Well atleast take him off your injury report.
Ford could have won the game if someone else fouled the Celtics. But the rest of the team was sleeping. Get well soon Garbo et Il Mago.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (playaofthegame @ Mar 26 2007, 11:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>WET WET WET WETYOU LOVE IT RAPTORS!</div>Congratulations guys. You beat us by 6 or so points in one of our worst games of the season. Hope you guys are happy, we're the ones who will be getting ready for the playoffs one month from now.
First of all, I just want to say that I feel bad for Jorge Garbajosa. That was just gross. Big Al looked at it and squinted then looked away. I don't know what exactly happened, however, can someone fill me in? Was it his knee/leg, ankle? Broken? Dislocated? I need info, because his entire leg flailed in the replay, knee down to ankle. He was screaming SO LOUD in so much pain. He's clearly done for the year, this is not good. He is such a solid player, too. But it was an excellent game for the Celtics. Toronto clearly didn't have their best night. Bosh is clearly not 100% and Ford really struggled tonight until the final 4 minutes of the game. But whether the Raptors played well or not, you have to hand it to the youngsters for the C's tonight. A lot of young guys stepped up and played well tonight, and I'm very happy right now. Doc DID make me wonder if he was looking to tank it when he had the scrub unit in in the 4th, but I'm happy he ended up putting the starters back in the game. See what happens when we run, Doc? Player-by-Player Analysis Rajon Rondo played outstanding basketball tonight. I absolutely love this kid, and I am completely sold that he is the point guard of the future. He can't shoot, but if he ever develops a respectable jumper, he could be an All-Star. He does EVERYTHING well, except shoot. He played very aggressive defense, he pushed the ball, he made some great passes/decisions in transition, he dropped a couple of those nice floaters, he rebounded, and he knocked down all the big free throws late in the game. This kid is a player. Big Al had another nice night. He was awesome offensively. He didn't get many post iso's tonight, but you have to give credit to Paul, Rajon, and Delonte for giving him some beautiful set-ups. Al had one huge block, he rebounded as usual, and he put that ball in the basket at a very efficient rate. But one thing he did that I absolutely LOVED was that he ran the floor VERY well. Yes, I said you have to give the guards credit for giving him some good set-ups, but Al ran the floor beautifully tonight. Paul started off hot, he played pretty well. He made some great passes and he was very aggressive offensively in the first half. In the second half, I wasn't happy with how many 3's he took, but he did have himself a very solid game. Gerald Green had an excellent game off the bench. No, he didn't score 20 points and no he didn't dunk on anybody, but he definitely had a promising game. He really was extremely aggressive all night long on <u>both</u> ends. He was skying high for rebounds and he definitely was active on defense. He didn't have his best shooting night early on, but he definitely took the right shots and he made a couple big momentum changing baskets (the dunk and that hail mary shot at the end of the shot clock). He also had a SICK block. Delonte also did a very solid job tonight. He was pushing the ball in transition all night long and he made some beautiful entry passes. His jumper was a little off in the second half, but the fact that he was pushing the ball that way makes me happy. Perk did a very solid job as well, despite a couple dumb fouls. He rebounded very well and his defense was above average tonight. He does need to work on not giving up those dumb fouls. Leon Powe played well tonight when he was out there. The kid works SO HARD every second he is on the floor. He was working extremely hard and using his strength/length to get those rebounds. He went up a little to hard trying to score a couple put backs, but he did a very nice job in limited minutes. Telfair played 12 minutes, Ray played 16 seconds. YES! Thank you. Bassy didn't do great, but I was pleased to see him moving his feet like that on the defensive end. He came up with a couple long rebounds as well. With some more consistent minutes, if he can actually get into a consistent rhythm again, he could have a few nice nights within these last 12 games. Player Stat Lines <span style="color:#009900">Paul Pierce: 23 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals on 8-20 FG, 2-9 3FG, 5-6 FT Al Jefferson: 22 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks on 10-14 FG Rajon Rondo: 16 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists on 4-6 FG, 8-8 FT Delonte West: 18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists on 6-17 FG, 1-3 3FG, 5-6 FT Gerald Green: 10 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block on 5-11 FG, 0-2 3FG Kendrick Perkins: 2 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block on on 1-2 FG Leon Powe: 4 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal on 0-3 FG, 4-4 FT Sebastian Telfair: 4 rebounds, 1 assist on 0-2 FG, 0-1 3FG Ryan Gomes: 2 rebounds, 1 assist on 0-4 FG Allan Ray: 16 seconds</span> Next Game: Wednesday (3/28/07) at home vs. Orlando at 7:30 pm ET. I will be at the game.
