Details: Who: (25-29) vs (23-34) Where: Key Arena When: Sunday, Feb 22nd, 6pm TV: KONG, NBATV Projected Lineups: PG: Antonio Daniels/Luke Ridnour SG: Ray AllenRonald Murray/Richie Frahm SF: Rashard Lewis/Vladimir Radmanovic/Ansu Sesay PF: Calvin BoothVladimir Radmanovic/Reggie Evans C: Vitaly PotapenkoJerome James/Calvin Booth Coached by Nate McMillan PG: Jiri Welsch/Chucky Atkins/Marcus Banks SG: Ricky Davis/Paul Pierce SF: Paul Pierce/Jumaine Jones PF: Mark Blount/Walter McCarty C: Chris Mihm/Michael Stewart Coached by John Carroll Injury List: Nick Collison: shoulder, season. Brent Barry: broken finger, on IL. Injury List Raek LaFrentz: on IL. Lindsay Hunter: on IL. Kendrick Perkins: on IL. Analysis: The ironic part of this match-up is one team has to win, when both somehow losing would probably be a safer bet. Seattle come in off the back of another close loss, this time to Golden State as Vladimir Radmanovic’s potential game tying trey was changed to a two, courtesy of a toe on the line. Boston gave up 22 before getting on the scoresheet in a big loss to Portland, and continue their pacific road trip in Seattle. Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen must both bounce back from horrendous games against the Warriors, while Paul Pierce needs some help so he can try and lift his field goal percentage. Ricky? Walter? Someone else needs to step up for the Celtics. Last Goodbye? Waived by the Celtics after again going off course on his alcohol rehabilitation course, it remains to be seen whether his NBA career will continue its downward spiral and force him out of the league for good. Once among the elite low post players in the game for Milwaukee and Seattle, his maximum contract marked a free fall into weight and substance abuse problems. Boston gave him chance after chance, but it appears their patience has run thin. [quoteright] "What they ran tonight was disgusting. They made so many bad calls down the stretch. Nobody comes to see the referees. For them to have that kind of impact on the game is ridiculous.” – Ray Allen on the officiating versus Golden State.[/QUOTERIGHT] Key Factors: - Double Pierce. He is low on confidence after some poor shooting nights, and he isn’t getting any help. Make him work hard from the start for his baskets, and force his teammates to step up and help him. - Zone up. Paul Pierce and Ricky Davis are terrific players one on one, but aren’t nearly as effective when faced with a team defense set-up where they are put against defensive helpers. - Watch Jiri. He is developing as a player, but his big asset is the three ball, where he ranks top five in the NBA in terms of long range accuracy. Pierce and Davis are obviously the two danger men, but not at the expense of giving Welsch open looks from long range. Key Matchup: Ray Allen vs Paul Pierce Two megastars, two guys who are struggling and two guys who feel the weight when their team isn’t doing well. Ray comes off a nine point outing against the Warriors in which he fouled out, while Pierce comes off a 13 point performance where he shot just 3-13. That won’t stop them getting the ball at every opportunity however, and both know the only way to beat a bad performance is to keep shooting it and lead from the front. Ray will rely on a zone defense to help nullify Pierce’s influence, and will want Jerome James and Calvin Booth to guard the basket, which Pierce gets to with alarming regularity. At the other end, the Celtic superstar will have to make sure he gets a hand in Allen’s face, who will feed off a hot hand if he gets going early. From a neutral’s point of view, you’d want it to be close going into the last, as both these guys have developed reputations as clutch fourth quarter players. X-Factors: Ronald Murray – after a strong showing in the Rookie game in Los Angeles, Murray has kept it going as he survived the trade deadline, bringing in strong bench performances in the last two. Unfortunately Seattle have lost both, but will still look for Flip to lead the second unit. Jiri Welsch – so far, he has been the most important player for Boston in the trade that sent Antoine Walker to Dallas. His stats haven’t been overly impressive, but his accuracy from deep and ability to play multiple positions make him a valuable starter for the Celtics, both as a starter and off the bench. <font size="1">Player photos and logo images courtesy of NBA.com </font>
The key to this game for the Sonics in my mind is stopping Pierce. Contain Pierce and put the weight on Ricky Davis. I don't think Ricky can do it by himself if Paul is out of rythym from superior D. Of course the Sonics have gotta score and take advantage of their opprotunities...by all rights,on paper Seattle should win by 20+,but I'll play it safe and go with Sonics by 10.
I'm gonna go against the crowd on this one. Boston just came off their worst loss of the season, I think they'll be motivated enough to win this one. Both teams are weak inside, look for backcourt play to determine the winner of this game. Pierce will shoot the lights out, Celtics by 4.
however....Sonics been struggling a lot more...I don't know..they'll be very motivated...since they've lost 6/8 games...and it's getting really pathetic...I think they'll win this with a very close one...by 5.
If the Sonics lose to the Celtics then I think they should take SirDez's advice and tank. Maybe if we lose enough we'll get Okafor
Are there more Sonics fans in The Celtics board then actual Celtics fans or something? I will stick up for my team and say Celts by 4. I don't think Allen will be up to his potential tonight due to his horrible game the other day, and Davis/Welsch are in rhythem and should sink about 20+ each. Pierce is a question mark, but should get atleast 17 in.
Pierce and Lewis are hot early both scoring 13 before the 8:58 mark in the 2nd quarter. 34/29 Sonics ---------- 51/41 Sonics @ the half Pierce and Lewis hace 18 each Wild west shootout anyone? Go Sonics! ----------
Jerome James seems to have awoken from his three year slumber, scoring 13 at the half. KJ, are you supporting the Sonics because you're a pal, or because every Celtic loss gives the Cavs a better shot of finishing above them in the Eastern playoff race?
After 3 Seattle leads 76/67 Pierce has 29, Lewis has 28 Shootout here fellas! PS: A Celtics loss ties the Cavs with the Celts Go Sonics!
hahaha.....108-87....that's funnie...I went so close cuz I've been sidetracked about how badly Sonics been doing...