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Detroit Pistons (12-14) at Boston Celtics (12-14)
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
7:30 PM ET
Regular Season Game #27, Road Game #14
TV: CSNNE, FSDet, LP 756(DTV)/753(Xfinity)
Radio: WBZ, 97.1 FM
TD GardenProbable Starters PG: Jordan Crawford
SG: Avery Bradley
SF: Jeff Green
PF: Brandon Bass
C: Jared Sullinger
Celtics ReservesMarShon Brooks
Kelly Olynyk
Kris Humphries
Vitor Faverani
Phil Pressey
Courtney Lee
Keith Bogans
Gerald Wallace
InjuriesRajon Rondo (ACL)out
Probable Starters PG: Brandon Jennings
SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
SF: Josh Smith
PF: Greg Monroe
C: Andre Drummond
Pistons ReservesKyle Singler
Jonas Jerebko
Peyton Siva
Tony Mitchell
Luigi Datome
Josh Harrellson
Rodney Stuckey
Chauncey Billups
Charlie Villanueva
InjuriesNone
Game Notes The Celtics host the Pistons for the 2nd of 4 games this season. In the first meeting, the Pistons came away with an 87-77 win over the Celtics.
Both teams boast a 12-14 record and both teams are 6-4 in their last 10 games. The Celtics are 7-6 at home while the Pistons are 6-6 on the road.
The Celtics have won their last 2 games while the Pistons are looking for their second straight victory. The Pistons are feeling pretty good about themselves after handing the Pacers their first loss at home.
The Celtics are coming off a win over the Timberwolves, avenging an earlier loss to them. In this game, the Celtics will once again be looking to avenge an earlier loss.
The Pistons are the 5th seed in the East and the Celtics are the 4th seed and if the playoffs began today, these two teams would face off in the first round.
Key Matchups vs
Jared Sullinger vs Andre Drummond
Once again, the Celtics front line is facing a big front line on the other side. Drummond is averaging 13.3 points and 12.6 rebounds while Sully is averaging 14 points and 7.1 rebounds. Sully gives up a couple of inches to Drummond and so will need to muscle Drummond and keep him away from the basket.
vs
Jeff Green vs Josh Smith
Josh Smith is averaging 15.5 points and 6.6 rebounds while Jeff Green is averaging 16.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. This should be a good matchup between two athletic players who can hit from outside as well as get inside for strong finishes.
Honorable MentionJordan Crawford vs Brandon Jennings
Jennings leads the Pistons in scoring with 17 points per game and assists with 7.8. The Celtics are going to need to slow him down in order to have a chance to win this game. Also, Crawford needs to be aggressive on the offensive end so that Jennings will have to work defensively.
Keys to the Game
Run, Run, Run - The Celtics have proved that when they run and move the ball up the court quickly, good things happen. They can't lapse into walking the ball up, playing half court and depending on iso's for scoring. When they over dribble and slow the game down, they struggle offensively and all the way around.
Be Aggressive - The Celtics need to be aggressive in going for loose balls, rebounding and defending. They also have to be aggressive in going to the basket and not settle for jumpers. Good things happen when they get inside. They have to be hungry and play like the team that wants it more.
Start Strong and Play 48 Minutes - The Celtics have been getting off to a strong start in their recent wins. They need to start strong in this one but also play 48 minutes. They have been letting teams back into the game and they can't let up until the final buzzer starts.
Rebound - Rebounding takes effort and desire. The Celtics will need both in order to beat the big front line of the Pistons to the rebounds. The guards especially need to crash the boards.
X-Factors Home Game and Focus Once again, the Celtics are at home and should get a boost from the home crowd. The Celtics must come out focused and execute their game plan. They can't let bad calls or rough play by the Pistons deter them.