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Boston Celtics (7-11) at Milwaukee Bucks (2-13)
Saturday, November 30, 2013
9:00 PM ET
Regular Season Game #19, Road Game #11
TV: CSN-NE, FSNWI, NBA-LP 759(DTV)757(xfinity)
Radio: WBZ, WTMJ
Bradley CenterProbable Starting LineupJordan Crawford...Avery Bradley...Jeff Green...Brandon Bass...Jared Sullinger
Celtics ReservesMarShon Brooks
Kris Humphries
Vitor Faverani
Phil Pressey
Gerald Wallace
Keith Bogans
InjuriesRajon Rondo (ACL)out
Kelly Olynyk (ankle) day to day
Courtney Lee (knee) game time decision
Probable Starting LineupBrandon Knight...OJ Mayo...Khris Middleton...Ersan Ilyasova...Zaza Pachulia
Bucks ReservesNate Wolters
Gary Neal
Giannis Antetokounmpo
John Henson
Miroslav Raduljica
Luke Ridnour
Ekpe Udoh
Caron Butler
InjuriesCarlos Delfino (foot) out
Larry Sanders (thumb) out
Game NotesThe month of November mercifully comes to a close as the Celtics become the first team to reach 19 games. The Bucks have won just 2 games this season and one of them was against the Celtics. The Celtics will definitely be looking to avenge that loss in this game. These two teams will face each other again on Tuesday in Boston.
The Bucks have lost 11 games in a row while the Celtics have won 3 of their last 4. The Bucks are 1-6 at home while the Celtics are 4-6 on the road. Both teams are playing in the second of back to back games and both teams had to travel after their last game.
In their first meeting on November 1, the Celtics were up 22 with 7 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter. From that point, the Bucks went on a 41-23 run to tie the game. They then went on a 10-0 run over the final 2 minutes of the game to get the win. The Celtics rightfully felt like they let that one get away. This game will be about revenge.
Key Matchups at
Jared Sullinger vs Zaza Pachulia
In the first meeting between these two teams, Pachulia notched his first 20 point game since 2007. He also had a couple of very obvious flops, one of which got him a warning. Jared has to defend Pachulia and keep him away from the paint. He also needs to make him work on defense.
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Mayo is the Bucks leading scorer with 15.3 points per game. He is capable of having a big game on any given night. Avery's defense will be needed to keep Mayo off balance the entire game.
Keys to the Game Run and Move the Ball - The Celtics play so well when they run and keep up a fast pace throughout the game. When they slow it down, they get into trouble. The also have to move the ball and find the open man. When they start over dribbling and try to do too much individually, they struggle.
Take Care of the Ball - The Bucks are 9th in the league in forcing turnovers with 16.29 a game. The Celtics at times get careless with the ball and turnovers can bury them. The Celtics have to take care of the ball and not give the Bucks easy points off turnovers.
Rebound - Rebounding is mostly effort and desire and the Celtics need to have both and they need to crash the boards as a team. They play best when the guards, along with the front line, go after every rebound.
Attack the Paint - At times the Celtics love the jumper and 3 point shots. When they fall, like they did against the Cavs, it's great. But, when they don't fall, it can get ugly. When they aren't falling, they need to get into the paint and drive to the hoop.
X-Factors Fatigue and RevengeBoth teams are playing in back to back games and so whichever team is better conditioned and can handle the fatigue the best will come out the winners. The Bucks come from behind win over the Celtics to begin November has to be on the Celtics' minds as is revenge for that loss.