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Boston Celtics (1-1) at Atlanta Hawks (1-1)
Friday, May 4, 2012
7:30 PM ET
Game #3, Home Game #1
TV: ESPN, CSNNE, SNET1, SPSO
Radio: WEEI
TD Garden 
Probable Starters 
PG: Rajon Rondo 11.9 PPG, 11.7 APG, 4.8 RPG, PER 17.55
SG: Avery Bradley 7.6 PPG, 1.4 APG, 1.8 RPG, PER 11.31
SF: Paul Pierce 19.4 PPG, 4.5 APG, 5.2 RPG PER 19.69
PF: Brandon Bass 12.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 0.9 BPG, PER 14.21
C: Kevin Garnett 15.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.0 BPG, PER 20.47
Celtics Reserves Greg Stiemsma
Mickael Pietrus
JaJuan Johnson
E'Twaun Moore
Keyon Dooling
Sasha Pavlovic
Marquis Daniels
Sean Williams
Ryan Hollins
Injured Ray Allen (ankle) day to day
Probable Starters
PG Jeff Teague 12.6 PPG, 4.9 APG, 2.4 RPG, PER 15.83
SG Kirk Hinrich 6.6 PPG, 2.8 APG, 2.1 RPG, PER 9.28
SF Joe Johnson 18.8 PPG, 3.9 APG, 3.7 RPG, PER 18.50
PF Josh Smith 18.8 PPG 9.6 RPG 1.7 BPG PER 21.14
C Jason Collins 1.3 PPG 1.6 RPG 0.1 BPG PER 3.76
ReservesTracy McGrady
Ivan Johnson
Jerry Stackhouse
Erick Dampier
Jannero Pargo
Willie Green
Vladimir Radmanovic
InjuriesAl Horford (Pectoral) out
Zaza Pachulia (foot) day to day
Josh Smith (knee) doubtful
Key Matchups
vs
Rajon Rondo vs Jeff Teague
Teague has been solid for the Hawks in both games so far. He is quick and has the ability to hit big shots. If left open behind the 3 point line, he is very capable of hitting big shots. Rondo set the pace of the game and keep Teague from getting the Hawks into their offense quickly. With his teammates reporting that they got the win in game 2 for their suspended point guard, I expect Rondo to come out in this one with a purpose and to have a huge game.
vs
Paul Pierce vs Joe Johnson
To say that Paul Pierce was huge in game 2 is an understatement. He put the team on his back and carried them to victory. With 2 days rest and back in his home territory, he should be ready to go in this one. Johnson has had 2 sub par shooting games so far and there's always the concern that he could go off for a big game himself. The Celtics need to keep a body on him and limit his effectiveness.
Honorable MentionBrandon Bass vs Josh Smith/Marvin Williams
With Smith's injury, he will either be out this game or possibly have limited mobility. Williams is not a great defender. Either way, this could be Bass' chance to shine in this series. He has scored just 8 points on 3-7 shooting in both games so far, which is far from what he was doing in the regular season. The Celtics sure could use his offense and it would be great if he could find his shot in this game. At first Smith was listed as doubtful but he was walking without a limp yesterday and says he'll play if he's able to get through the shoot around, which I expect him to do. However, he may be tentative or limited because of the knee.
Game Notes The Celtics return home with the series tied 1-1. They have wrested home court advantage back from the Hawks and now they must hang on to it and take advantage of playing at home before what should be a very loud home crowd.
They have had 2 days off and should be recharged and ready. Rondo will be back and should be raring to go after his suspension and knowing that his teammates had his back in game 2. The momentum has swung back to the Celtics after their big win. Losing to a Rondo-less Celtics team, after leading by 11 in the 3rd quarter has to have the Hawks a bit demoralized.
Injuries are still the topic of the day for both teams. Josh Smith left game 2 and has been diagnosed with patellar tendonitis and has been upgraded to a game time decision for this game but I wouldn't be surprised to see him play. Marvin Williams or Ivan Johnson is expected to start in his place if he can't go. Pachulia is still listed as day to day while Horford is still out although the Hawks coach has hinted that he might play in the series. For the Celtics Ray Allen is still day to day and was able to go through a full practice on Thursday. Hopefully the ankle won't swell again after the practice. It would be a huge boost if he could play even limited minutes.
The Celtics need to take care of of their house. They can't afford any more sluggish starts or loss of focus if they expect to win this series. They have shown they are the better team and will win if they stay focused. It's time to get serious and bring Gino out for this one.
Keys to the GameDefense - This is the key to every game and to winning a championship this year. The Hawks are a good 3 point shooting team as well as having the ability to get to the basket and so the Celtics must defend both the perimeter and the paint. They won game 2 by clamping down defensively. They need to show that same tough team defense from start to finish in this game.
Rebound - Rebounding is key to controlling the tempo and flow of the game. The Celtics must limit tip ins and second chance points by crashing the boards and limiting the Hawks rebounds. It's not a coincidence that the Celtics were out-rebounded in their loss 50-41 but they won the rebounding battle 45-40 in their win. Rebounding is effort and desire and when the Celtics show both effort and desire on the boards that translates to all the other areas of the game.
Run the Offense - With their playmaker back, the Celtics should be able to move the ball and get open shots. They have to trust each other and make the extra pass. When they hold the ball too much and play hero ball, nothing good can come of it. Rondo should have 20 assists in this game if they move without the ball and get open for his passes. With 2 days rest, they should have their legs under them again and hopefully will hit their shots.
Be Aggressive - The Celtics must be the more aggressive team. They have to be aggressive in going to the basket. Driving into the paint will give them a basket or free throws or the opportunity to kick it out to an open teammate. They can't just settle for jumpers, especially if they aren't falling. They also must be aggressive in going after loose balls and rebounds. They can't let the Hawks out hustle them. They must play like they want it more.
X-FactorsHome Court, Focus, and Officiating
The Celtics are home and should get a boost from the home crowd that KG was boasting about after game 2. The Celtics have to be focused from the opening tip to the final buzzer. There is no room for a slow start or for letting up before the end of the game. We have seen how officiating can change a game and so we have to hope for fairness from the refs and maybe even some home court calls.
Topic: Hawks (1-1) at Celtics (1-1) Game 3 5/4 (Read 126419 times)