Ok, every game thread I've made the Celtics have lost that night, so let's test the theory one last time... The Boston Celtics (30-28, 1st in the Atlantic) host the Charlotte Bobcats (12-43, 4th in the Southeast) at the TD BankNorth Garden (trying it out) tonight at 7:30 EST. The Celtics have been on a role since re-aquiring Antoine Walker from the Atlanta Hawks at the trading deadline. As an added bonus they also resigned Gary Payton early this morning after he cleared waivers, though Coach Doc Rivers indicated GP may not play tonight after his extended layoff, having only playing 2 games in the last 16 days. Despite what their record may say, the Bobcats have shown signs of promise in their inagural season. Rookie Emeka Okafor has been as good as advertised and both Gerald Wallace and Primoz Brezec have shown they can play if given extended minutes. They have been unlucky with injuries, though, as guard Kareem Rush recently went down with a knee injury and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. <u><font color="DarkGreen"><div align="center">Celtic Keys to the Game</div></font></u> 1. <u>Grab the momentum</u> In an effort to keep as much cap space as possible for the future, no one the BobCats has a long, lucrative contract. As a result, pretty much everyone on the roster is auditioning for future NBA jobs. If the Celtics can get a lead early, guys may start going for individual numbers and abandon team ball. 2. <u>Don't let them think they can win</u> Hope is the worse thing you can give to a team that is struggling. They have nothing to play for, so if they find themselves within striking distance they'll play loose. The Celtics would be well served to get this game in hand early. 3. <u>Avoid the trap</u> With the Lakers behind them and the Timberwolves coming in on Sunday, this game has trap written all over it. The Celtics can't look ahead, or all the momentum they've built in the last week will be gone in a flash. <font color="DarkGreen"><div align="center"><u>Key Matchup of the Game</u></div></font> Emeka Okafor vs. Antoine Walker Its the former UCONN star versus the prodigal player. 'Toine has been spectacular in the three games that he has been back in Green, while Okafor has been a double-double machine so far this year. The rebounding battle, as always, is key in this game and these players are the best on their teams. Toine should have the edge on experience and moves alone, so look for him to try and get Okafor in foul trouble early. Prediction: The Celtics keep the momentum going and the return of GP (who I'll guess plays spot minutes tonight before starting Sunday) keeps the team focused on the task at hand. Celtics handle the Bobcats pretty easily, 110-93.
I heard that Doc was going to wait until Sunday to play GP. I think that's actually a good thing, because it gives the rookie pg's a chance to showcase for one more game. The decision on who's going to be the first backup will be key to any stretch run the Celtics immediate future. I've got no problem with GP rejoining us tonight. I just think it helps add extra significance to Sundays game by holding him out until then. The Cat's will be a tough contest tonight. Omeka's got double-double's up the wazoo thus far this season. He'll be a good test for the defense. I hate to keep kicking the dog, but I hope Perk gets Blounts burn tonight.
Nice preview. I hope you don't screw us over again. I liked the point you brought up of how the cute little kitty "'Cats" have a lot of players who can easily lose the team focus. I never really thought about that, but it has to be the truth. As for GP, I don't care if he plays or not. I don't think we'll have much of a problem with or without him.
GP started and while I give Charlotte some credit for making it competitive in the 1st half, they fell apart in the 2nd half. I love easy games. Didn't like that Okafor kept scoring on Big Al when he got the matchup. Al's got some work to still do on his defense, but that'll come. 4 in a row.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 44Thrilla:</div><div class="quote_post">Nice preview. I hope you don't screw us over again. </div> Yeah, not even my reverse-mojo could slow the Celtics down this time. Clearly, the Bobcats season is starting to get to them. Jason Hart looked like he really wanted to be anywhere but at the game. Jason Kapono proved again why I should not be an NBA scout (I was convinced he would at least contribute at the NBA Level). GP definately looked a tad rusty in the early going. To be honest, the team probably would have been better served if they had had to play some of the regulars later into the game. I think the more GP and Toine are on the floor together, the better.
