at
Boston Celtics (42-11) at Dallas Mavericks (30-18)
Thursday, February 12
9:30 PM ET
Game #55 Road Game #27
TV: TNT
American Airlines Center American Airlines Center was constructed in Victory Park in order to help revitalize and redevelop the area into mix use development that includes the arena, housing and commercial spaces. From the exterior, the arena is a massive structure that has a façade of brick and glass arches. Because of the design, American Airlines Center has won numerous architectural awards. The Mavericks played their first game at the arena on October 30, 2001 against the Detroit Pistons. American Airlines Center has a seating capacity of 19,200 with 142 luxury suites and 1,600 club seats.Coach: Doc Rivers
Average Age: 26.6
Average Height: 6-6
Average Weight: 222Probable Starters PG: Rajon Rondo PPG 11.2 RPG 5.10 APG 8.3 EFF + 18.60
SG: Ray Allen PPG 18.2 RPG 3.30 APG 2.9 EFF + 17.00
SF: Paul Pierce PPG 19.5 RPG 5.80 APG 3.8 EFF + 19.21
PF: Kevin Garnett PPG 16.5 RPG 9.00 APG 2.7 EFF + 22.10
C: Kendrick Perkins PPG 8.2 RPG 7.90 APG 1.1 EFF + 13.94
ReservesTony Allen
Glen Davis
JR Giddens
Eddie House
Leon Powe
Brian Scalabrine
Patrick O'Bryant
Bill Walker
Sam Cassell
Injuries: Brian Scalabrine (Concussion) day to day
Tony Allen (thumb) out
Coach: Rick Carlisle
Average Age: 27.7
Average Height: 6-7
Average Weight: 219Probable Starters PG: Jason Kidd PPG 8.8 RPG 6.30 APG 8.3 EFF + 19.14
SG: Antoine Wright PPG 5.8 RPG 1.80 APG 0.9 EFF + 5.09
SF: Josh Howard PPG 17.8 RPG 5.00 APG 1.6 EFF + 14.70
PF: Dirk Nowitski PPG 25.8 RPG 8.30 APG 2.3 EFF + 24.84
C: Erick Dampier PPG 5.4 RPG 7.20 APG 1.0 EFF + 12.48
Reserves Jose Barea
Matt Carroll
Jason Terry
Brandon Bass
Ryan Hollins
James Singleton
Devean George
Gerald Green
Jerry Stackhouse
Shawne Williams
Injuries None
Key Matchups vs
Rajon Rondo vs Jason Kidd
Kidd may be slowing down, but he is still a tough matchup. Rondo has to continue to be aggressive and use his speed to beat Kidd.
vs
Kevin Garnett vs Dirk Nowitski
Dirk is a tough cover since he is a threat from beyond the arc as well as in the paint. KG needs to make Dirk work on both ends of the court.
Team ConnectionsBrian Scalabrine and Jason Kidd were teammates in New Jersey
Gerald Green was originally drafted by the Celtics with the 18th pick in the 2005 draft
Brandon Bass and Big Baby Davis are former LSU Tigers
Mavs Coach Rick Carlisle played for the Celtics from 1984-1087 and won a ring with the Celtics in 1986.
Game NotesThe Celtics swept the series last season for the first time since the '93-'94 season. The Mavs are 16-7 at home while the Celtics are 18-7 on the road. The Celtics are 8-2 in their last 10 games while the Mavs are 7-3 in their last 10 games. Former Celtic Gerald Green is on the Mavs roster but has played in only 24 games and is averaging 5.6 points per game in 11 mpg.
Keys to the GameDefense When the Celtics play their trademark tough defense, they are very hard to beat. Their defensive intensity has slipped considerably in recent games however and they need to get back to the tough lock down defense that they have played in the past.
Rebound The Mavericks are a very good rebounding team and the Celtics need to be aggressive in crashing the boards and going after rebounds. Limiting the Mavs' second chance points will be important. They allowed too many tip ins and put backs by the Spurs and need to improve that in this game.
Limit Turnovers The Celtics still turn the ball over too much and they need to work on taking better care of the ball. A team like the Mavs will make them pay by converting the turnovers into points. Most turnovers are the result of a lack of focus and so the Celtics mus also improve their level of focus.
Be Aggressive The Celtics need to be aggressive in going after loose balls and taking the ball to the basket. While the Celtics are good shooters, they shouldn't depend on the outside shot. They need to aggressively take the ball to the hoop as well as be aggressive in going after loose balls and rebounds.
X-FactorBack to Back
The Celtics are playing in the second of back to back games. Last season they were very good in back to back situations, but this season they tend to lose focus and look tired in the second game. Hopefully they will be able to bring the energy they need to win this one. It would be nice to go into the All Star break on a win.