<div align="center"></div> <div align="center"><font color="DarkRed">Philadelphia 76ers</font> (0-0) <font color="Green">Boston Celtics</font> (0-0)</div> <div align="center">Time: 7:30 PM, EST Location: The Fleet Center TV: CSN, NBA League Pass (Free Preview Nov 3-9)</div> <div align="center">Previous Game Philadelphia 76ers: N/A (none) Boston Celtics: N/A (none)</div> <div align="center">Starting Five</div> <div align="center"><font color="DarkOrange">Guards</font></div> <div align="center"></div> <font color="DarkOrange"><div align="center">Allen Iverson - Gary Payton</div></font> <div align="center"></div> <font color="DarkOrange"><div align="center">Aaron McKie - Paul Pierce</div></font> <div align="center">______________</div> <div align="center"><font color="DarkOrange">Forwards</font></div> <div align="center"></div> <font color="DarkOrange"><div align="center">Andre Iguodala - Jiri Welsch</div></font> <div align="center"></div> <font color="DarkOrange"><div align="center">Kenny Thomas - Raef LaFrentz</div></font> <div align="center">______________</div> <div align="center"><font color="DarkOrange">Center</font></div> <div align="center"></div> <font color="DarkOrange"><div align="center">Marc Jackson - Mark Blount</div></font> <div align="center">______________</div> <div align="center"><font color="blue">Head Coaches</font></div> <div align="center"></div> <font color="blue"><div align="center">Jim O'Brien - Doc Rivers</div></font> <div align="center">Key Matchup</div> <div align="center"></div> <div align="center">Allen Iverson VS. Paul Pierce</div> <div align="center">On the depth chart, they are playing two completely diverse positions, however expect them to take charge when their respected teams go head to head on Nov 3. Allen Iverson and Paul Pierce are unquestionably the best players on their team and they are the vocal points. Expected them to make the opening statement from the get go. It's going to be a one on one heated battle between both competitors. However, for their TEAM to win they will have to get their teammates involved however. Paul Pierce is surrounded by a group of young and talented players. And since the departure of co-captain Antoine Walker everything was placed on his shoulders. Luckily, Danny Ainge the Celtics GM was able to snag Gary Payton from the Los Angeles Lakers and will be the starting PG for this ball club. Many have questioned Gary Payton ability on whether he can still play because of his lack of production with the Los Angeles Lakers. But now that he is playing for a new coach in a different system things could be different. But the fact of him starting on a clean state will not only be his or should I say the team beneficiary, his experience will be also be a plus. Again, this is a very young team and you can say that Paul Pierce was their most experienced player, but now that Payton has arrived some of that pressure has been taken off of Paul Pierce, and if things go their way they can flourish well. Allen Iverson on the other hand is embarking on a whole new role. For the first time since his sophomore season, Allen Iverson will now be running the PG. Critics has questioned his ability to play the PG because of his so called "selfish" play, however Allen Iverson understands his role and has indicated that he will do whatever his coach asks of him and will do whatever it takes to win. Coming off a "disappointing" performance in Athens in terms of Team USA success, Allen Iverson has a positive outlook on this season nonetheless. He has made it clear that he vowed to change and will become a team leader, but to some this sounds like a broken record to some, but Iverson play during the Olympics has indicated that he will be ready. And at this point of his career? talk is cheap like Iverson once said and what he does on the court will really matters. And as the season begins Iverson and his whole new mentality will be the benefactor for this team success. Now that he is running the PG position, it puts more pressure on the defense and since the team pace is going to go from an Eric Snow Sunday pace to an Allen Iverson NASCAR pace, the speed will compliment him in which he can be even more effective.</div> <div align="center">Keys To The Game</div> <div align="center"><font color="Red">Philadelphia 76ers</font></div> <div align="center">For the 76ers to come out victorious, they need to contest every shot. This Boston Celtics team has a nice dose of perimeter shoots. From Jiri Welsch to Paul Pierce, this team has a nice shooting touch. Also, they need to make sure they do not get outrebounded. During the preseason this was one of the 76ers major weaknesses, so if they can outrebound the Celtics or not get outrebound by a large margin they could fare well for themselves. And lastly, they need to take care of the ball. Heading into this game the 76ers are averaging 18.5 turnovers from preseason play. And this is one of Coach O'Brien biggest concerns. So if the 76ers can prevent themselves from causing too many turnovers and not getting outrebound, they should have good chance leaving the Fleet Center with an 1-0 record.</div> <font color="green"><div align="center">Boston Celtics</div></font> <div align="center">The Celtics on the other hand needs to guard the paint. They cannot let Allen Iverson get into the paint. If they do, they will be in a world of trouble. However, Allen Iverson is not their only concern; the likes of Andre Iguodala and Willie Green are also good ball penetrators. So the Celtics must be careful because the more the 76ers get into the paint the more the Celtics put themselves vulnerable to early foul trouble. Also they cannot underestimate the 76ers perimeter shooting as well. They have players such as McKie, Robinson, Korver, Green, Davis and Iverson in which can hit the 3Pt shot, so they need to watch the perimeter as well, but pay more attention to the paint however. Paul Pierce of all people could give his advice; after all he is Jim O?Brien former star player and knows the 76ers system quite possibly better than any player on the 76ers roster. And yet another thing that the Celtics must do is put pressure on the 76ers backcourt. With the loss of Eric Snow, the 76ers has had trouble taking care of the ball, so if Boston wants to get into the open court they must force some turnovers. So all in all, if the Celtics want to start off with an 1-0 record, they must to do these things.</div> <u><div align="center">Bench</div></u> <div align="center">Both teams have what you call a nice bench. However, the 76ers bench is a little more deep and has more depth. From veterans like Corliss Williamson and Glenn Robinson to up and coming stars like Dalembert and Willie Green the Celtics will have their hands full. However, the 76ers bench cannot underestimate the Celtics bench. The Celtics bench also has a nice group of players. From Ricky Davis and Tom Gugliotaa to Delonte West and Al Jefferson the Celtics bench is fairly well rounded. If anything the bench just may be the key for both teams to win.</div> __________________ <font color="Blue">Avery Predictions:</font> Personally, I think this game will go into OT. Both teams are out to start off on a great start after having such a disappointing season last year. I think the Celtics will come out strong and leave the 76ers wondering what they will do next, but lead by Allen Iverson they will make a run and put themselves back into the game in which they will come out victorious in OT by 7 points. <div align="center">Player Of The Game</div> <div align="center"></div> Despite, Glenn Robinson lackluster to play D, some thought this was a bold but yet very questionable move by Jim O'Brien. Putting a 1st Round Pick (9th Pick Overall) into the starting lineup is a big step. However, Andre Iguodala earned this spot and it wasn?t handed to him. And I believe he will show how he earned this spot. I could see him making some big defensive plays and shots when needed. I predict his stat line will look like this: 13 Points on 4-10 shooting, 5 Rebounds, 4 Assists and 3 Steals.
Good job, but AI and Pierce will not be covering each other so they cannot be a key matchup here. AI and GP? Now that should be the key matchup. Celts in a close one, by 7 pts.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Good job, but AI and Pierce will not be covering each other so they cannot be a key matchup here.</div> Well it's obvious that they won't be covering each other. But they're the difference makers of the game. The both of them are the most important players for their respected team, and it's most likely if neither of them produce for their respected team that they're team will come out with an L.
Great preview Avery,Payton is the only one on the Celtics who could cause problems for AI but since Payton has a little thumb injury(He will play but I don't think he's gonna be dangerous for us) I see AI having a great game and Ricky Davis will struggle against Iguodala if he starts.Sixers by 8.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Avery:</div><div class="quote_post">Well it's obvious that they won't be covering each other. But they're the difference makers of the game. The both of them are the most important players for their respected team, and it's most likely if neither of them produce for their respected team that they're team will come out with an L.</div> Defintely w/o a doubt. I understand where your coming from.
Well,I am very excited about the upcoming season.This game will be a very emotional one,the Sixers and Celtics have always been a prety heated rivalry,and playing each other on upening night will only add to the fire.Not to mention Coach JO's return to the Fleet Center. I expect AI to have a good game obviously,if he continues to shoot the ball well,I think he can lead the Sixers past the Celtics.Another big part to this game will Andre Iguodala,there is a chance he could be guarding Paul Peirce or Ricky Davis,with AI 2 being a solid defender I expect him to contain whoever he guards. I say the Sixers win in a close heated game:89-83
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Martin:</div><div class="quote_post">Great preview Avery,Payton is the only one on the Celtics who could cause problems for AI but since Payton has a little thumb injury(He will play but I don't think he's gonna be dangerous for us) I see AI having a great game and Ricky Davis will struggle against Iguodala if he starts.Sixers by 8.</div> Yes AI and Payton will be a very interesting match-up. Gary Payton will be let loose here and show us what the Lakers were possibly holding him back from doing. Gary Payton gathers the most interest for me. I want to see if he will be the washed up ggeezer in the 2004 Finals or the hall of famer point guard that he was 2 years ago. AI however will definetly destroy Payton as PAyton had trouble with Tony Parker and Iverson is much deadlier than Parker. BUt yes AI and Pierce are the difference maker. Prediction: 111-107 Sixers THis one will go down to the last minute of the game. However the Sixers great improvements during the off season are better than the Celtics dispite Al Jefferson, and Delonte West. The Crowd of Boston will give the Sixers a hard time though.
I think it is going to be neat to see the Glove was the most dominate point guard in the 90's play AI who is playing his first game at point guard. Anyway I got Celts winning 98-95...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Silky Smooth:</div><div class="quote_post">Andre Iguodala,there is a chance he could be guarding Paul Peirce or Ricky Davis,with AI 2 being a solid defender I expect him to contain whoever he guards. </div> I highly doubt this becasue even though a good defender he is still raw and alot of work needs to improve. Just look RJ lit him up the other night.
Gary Payton will definitely show us something this opening game. I mean, he was working out the entire off season and also has that revenge factor and something to prove factor going for him. Still, he's gonna lose the hustle game against Iverson. Mckie is a great defender but Pierce will definitely be a huge factor in this game like Avery said. With that said, 76ers should win by three.
The reason I think the Sixers will win and why Iggy will play a lot is because he will shutdown Pierce. Without Pierce, the Celts are nothing....Iggy is a great defender and should get a lot of minutes on Pierce....If Iggy gets his hands on the ball and has his hand in Pierce's face all game long, like he showed he can do in preseason, this should be an easy victory....
No way Pierce gets shutdown by anyone on that squad. I'd like to see the Sixers win, but I doubt it'll happen against the Celtics, because Iggy isn't ready for Pierce (if he ends up guarding him) and he'll also have trouble with Ricky Davis. Al Jefferson is also going to be a factor off the bench for Boston. Iverson is going to burn Payton...but then again, Iverson is running the point, so he's going to be defended much differently than he has his whole career, and it's not a good thing to start out with the Glove, who may be underrated this year because of his poor performance with the Lakers (unfamiliar offense). I do see Kenny Thomas as a factor in this game against an injured Raef, but it's not like it would be a problem if he was healthy, either...so I'd expect Jefferson to play some minutes. Dalembert should be starting against Blount, but I won't get into that. Celtics 87, Sixers 82
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Arthur:</div><div class="quote_post">The reason I think the Sixers will win and why Iggy will play a lot is because he will shutdown Pierce. Without Pierce, the Celts are nothing....Iggy is a great defender and should get a lot of minutes on Pierce....If Iggy gets his hands on the ball and has his hand in Pierce's face all game long, like he showed he can do in preseason, this should be an easy victory....</div> There is no way we will shut down Peirce,maybe if we put a good rotation of players guarding him we could contain him.I am pretty sure Corliss-Iggy-and Mckie could at least hold him to mid or low twenties,but I dont think he is going to light us up.
Update <u>UPDATE (NOTES)</u> <font color="Red">Philadelphia 76ers</font> <ul>The Philadelphia 76ers finalized their 12-Man Roster which includes Samuel Dalembert, Kenny Thomas, Andre Iguodala, Aaron McKie, Allen Iverson, Willie Green, Kyle Korver, Corliss Williamson, Kedrick Brown, Josh Davis, Marc Jackson and Brian Skinner[/list] <ul>Glenn Robinson alongside John Salmons and Kevin Ollie was placed on the IL.[/list] <ul>Kenny Thomas is listed as a GTD decision for tomorrow season opener against the Celtics because of a right eye abrasion & left eye traumatic iritis. If he sits, expect Corliss Williamson to be the starting PF.[/list] ____________ <font color="Green">Boston Celtics</font> <ul>The Boston Celtics finalized their 12-Man Roster which includes Paul Pierce, Tony Allen, Marcus Banks, Gary Payton, Ricky Davis, Al Jefferson, Mark Blount, Tom Gugliotta, Raef LaFrentz, Walter McCarty, Kendrick Perkins, and Jiri Welsch[/list] <ul>Delonte West alongside fellow rookie Justin and veteran Michael Stewart was placed on the IL.[/list] <ul>Gary Payton is expected to be in the starting lineup despite a non-displaced fractured thumb.[/list]
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Philadelphia 76ers finalized their 12-Man Roster which includes Samuel Dalembert, Kenny Thomas, Andre Iguodala, Aaron McKie, Allen Iverson, Willie Green, Kyle Korver, Corliss Williamson, Kedrick Brown, Josh Davis, Marc Jackson and Brian Skinner</div> I am really suprised that Kedrick Brown didnt get put on the IL.It could be favortism from Jim Obrien or it could be because Salmons is hurt.We'll have to wait to see what happens,putting are only pure PG on the IL was not the smartest thing to do either.
I think the sixers have more quality depth and that will help win them the game. The Celtics made a huge mistake getting rid of Jim O'Brien.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Silky Smooth:</div><div class="quote_post">There is no way we will shut down Peirce,maybe if we put a good rotation of players guarding him we could contain him.I am pretty sure Corliss-Iggy-and Mckie could at least hold him to mid or low twenties,but I dont think he is going to light us up.</div> Corliss? lol, he's one of the worst defenders in the game...He's all offensive, which is why Brown wanted to get rid of him in DET. Iggy is the best man-man defender on the Sixers, which is why OB loves him, and has inserted him the the starting lineup. He loves his D and his playmaking ability....
