Timberwolves(13-9) @ Celtics(12-12) Tuesday, Dec. 15 7:00 pm <font size="3">Preview by <font color="Red">twolvesfan11</font></font> <u>Probable Starters</u> Mike James/Sam Cassell Paul Pierce/Latrell Sprewell Jiri Welsch/Trenton Hassell Vin Baker/Kevin Garnett Tony Battie/Michael Olowokandi <u>Match-up overview</u> Ervin Johnson vs. Tony Battie Battie will win this matchup both on offense and defense. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets 15+ points this game. Johnson might not even start, they might start Olowokandi's replacement, Oliver Miller. Either way, Battie wins this matchup. Kevin Garnett vs. Vin Baker The new thin Vin has been playing good basketball as of late, but KG will just be to much for him. Garnett will get his usual 20, 10, and 5 tonight, but not much more than that. Trenton Hassell vs. Jiri Welsch Hassell will take this matchup. Hassell has all the defensive tools to stop Welsch, and at that, I don't expect Welsch to score even 5 points in the game. Latrell Sprewell vs. Paul Pierce This is probably the best matchup in this game. Pierce has really stepped up his play this season and is leading a sub par Celtics team to a .500 record. Pierce wins this matchup, but Spree still could go off. Sam Cassell vs. Mike James Sam Cassell will go off in this game. I see him getting at least 25 in this game, also getting around 7 assists. James will have his hands full Monday. And on the other end, James will have trouble scoring with Cassell in his face all night. <u>Celtics keys to the game</u> They need to contain Garnett. They will probably try to double team him down low on almost every play. But that will leave Cassell or Sprewell open, so they will have to play zone defense. They also need to control the boards in this one as well. Getting Garnett off the boards will be the main key to victory in this game. <u>Timberwolves keys to the game by <font color="Red">twolvesfan11</font></u> Shut down Pierce. Without Pierce, they won't be able to do a thing. Paul has been their glue this season, and without their glue, they will fall apart. Sprewell is a good enough defender to keep up with Pierce, but expect a double team on him almost every time down the court. <u>Prediction</u> I have to give this one to my Wolves. They are finally getting good team chemistry, and learning how to put all three of their superstars to good use. Garnett, Sprewell, and Cassell have had at least 20 apiece the last four games, and I see that continuing against the Celtics. Timberwolves 97 Celtics 91
