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Boston Celtics (44-11) at Utah Jazz (31-23)
Thursday, February 19
10:30 PM ET
Game #56, Road Game #28
TV: TNT, CSN HD
Energy Solutions Arena Few teams in the NBA can say that they have had the same amount of success as the Utah Jazz have had at Energy Solution Arena. Since the team’s move to this arena more than 15 years ago, the Jazz have had only one losing season. After the Jazz moved from New Orleans after the 1978-79 season they began playing at the Salt Palace. For just over a decade they played at the 12,0000 seat arena. As the 1990s approached, a new modern arena with more seats was needed for the Jazz. Owner of the team, Larry Miller, funded the $93 million cost to construct a new arena.
Construction began in May 1990 and was completed in record time, 17 months later. Originally known as the Delta Center, the Jazz played their first game at the arena on October 4, 1991. Located on the western part of downtown Salt Lake City, the arena has a seating capacity of 19,911 that includes 668 club seats and 56 luxury suites. In August 1999, the roof was significantly damaged by a tornado, causing $3.75 million in damage. Energy Solutions bought the naming rights to the arena in November 2006, thus it is known as Energy Solutions Arena. The Utah Jazz have been one of the best teams in the NBA while playing at Energy Solutions Arena, appearing in the playoffs 13 times in 16 years.Coach: Doc Rivers
Average Age: 26.7
Average Height: 6-6
Average Weight: 222Probable Starters PG: Rajon Rondo PPG 11.2 RPG 5.40 APG 8.5 EFF + 18.85
SG: Ray Allen PPG 17.9 RPG 3.30 APG 2.8 EFF + 16.65
SF: Paul Pierce PPG 19.9 RPG 5.70 APG 3.8 EFF + 19.42
PF: Kevin Garnett PPG 16.4 RPG 8.90 APG 2.7 EFF + 21.90
C: Kendrick Perkins PPG 8.0 RPG 7.90 APG 1.1 EFF + 13.71
Reserves Reserves
Tony Allen
Glen Davis
Eddie House
Leon Powe
Gabe Pruitt
Brian Scalabrine
Bill Walker
JR Giddens
Injuries:Brian Scalabrine (concussion) will play
Tony Allen (thumb) Out
Coach: Jerry Sloan
Average Age: 25.6
Average Height: 6-7
Average Weight: 233 PG Deron Williams PPG 19.2 RPG 2.90 APG 10.0 EFF + 21.31
SG: Ronnie Brewer PPG 13.3 RPG 3.50 APG 2.2 EFF + 12.94
SF CJ Miles PPG 9.9 RPG 2.50 APG 1.6 EFF + 9.19
PF Paul Millsap PPG 14.7 RPG 9.20 APG 2.2 EFF + 20.00
C Mehmet Okur PPG 17.8 RPG 8.40 APG 1.8 EFF + 20.13
Reserves Andrei Kirilenko
Kyle Korver
Matt Harpring
Brevin Knight
Kosta Koufos
Ronnie Price
Carlos Boozer
Jarron Collins
Kyrylo Fesenko
Morris Almond
Injuries Carlos Boozer (knee) out
Andrei Kirilenko (ankle) Will play
Brevin Knight (quad) out
Mehmet Okur (flu like symptoms) probable
Key Matchups vs
Rajon Rondo vs Deron Williams
Rondo has yet another tough matchup with one of the top young PG's in the league. Last season, Williams averaged 27 points and 9.5 assists in the two games against the Celtics. In the first game between these two PGs Rondo came out on top with 25 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists while Williams finished with 15 points and 7 assists. Williams is strong and quick and Rondo will need to be aggressive on both ends to get the better of this matchup on the road.
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Kendrick Perkins vs Mehmet Okur
Okur is one of those centers who could give Perk a hard time since he can stop outside the arc and hit the shot rather than taking it inside. Okur is shooting 42% from 3 point range and we may see KG covering him on the perimeter. Okur missed Tuesday night's win over Memphis with flu like symptoms but is expected to play in this game.
Honorable Mention Kevin Garnett vs Paul Millsap
In the last meeting between these two teams, Millsap had a career night with 32 points and 10 rebounds. The combination of Perk and KG will need to defend him better in this game.
Connections Matt Harpring played for Doc in Orlando
Danny Ainge was a former BYU star
The Celtics and Jazz share the Flash as their D-League team
Game Notes These two teams split the series last season with the Celtics winning in Utah and the Jazz winning in Boston. The Jazz snapped a 10 game win streak for the Celtics and they were the first Western team to beat the Celtics at home.
The Jazz are tough to beat in their building and are 21-6 at home while the Celtics are 20-7 on the road. The Jazz are 9-12 against Eastern Conference teams while the Celtics are 14-7 against the West. The Jazz are 5-5 in their last 10 games while the Celtics are 8-2 in their last 10. The Jazz beat the Lakers in their last game before the break.
X-FactorRust vs Rest
The Jazz get back into action on Tuesday while this Thursday game will be the first for the Celtics since before the break. The Celtics will have a chance to practice in Utah on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Celtics are 13-0 when playing after at least 2 days off. They should be well rested and ready to take on the Jazz, hopefully without any rust from the All Star break.