Raptors (3-1) at Celtics (2-2) Preseason Game #5 10/15/14

[FLCeltsFan]

  at 
Toronto Raptors (3-1) at Boston Celtics (2-2)
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
7:30 PM ET
Preseason Game #5, Home Game #4
TV:  CSNNE
Cumberland County Civic Center
Portland, Maine




Possible Starters

Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley, Evan Turner, Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk

Off the Bench

Phil Pressey


Marcus Thornton, Rodney McGruder, Tim Frazier


Jeff Green


 Brandon Bass, Erik Murphy, Dwight Powell, Christian Watford


Tyler Zeller, Joel Anthony

Injuries
Rajon Rondo (hand) out
Vitor Faverani (knee) out
Gerald Wallace (knee) out
James Young (hamstring) out



Possible Starters

Kyle Lowry, Demar DeRozan, Landry Fields, Amir Johnson, Jonas Valanciunas

Off the Bench

Will Cherry, Greivis Vasquez


Lou Williams


James Johnson,   Jordan Hamilton,  Landry Fields


Tyler Hansbrough, Bruno Caboclo, Patrick Patterson


Chuck Hayes

Injuries
Lucas Noguiera (hamstring)  day to day
Greg Stiemsma (concussion)  day to day

Game Notes
The Celtics will look to avenge their loss to the Raptors as they host them in Portland Maine.  The Celtics took a day off after Saturday's game and were able have two days of practice in preparation for this game.  Jeff Green was finally able to practice on Monday and Tuesday and should be available for this game.   Coach Stevens hasn't said whether he will move Green back into the starting lineup or keep Evan Turner there. 

The Raptors are in the midst of a preseason 3 game road trip through New York, Maine and Kansas.  The Raptors beat the Knicks on Monday and, after a day off, the Celtics are their second stop.  They will head to Kansas to face the Durantless Thunder on Friday.    The Celtics are playing in the first of back to back games and will head to Philly to face the Sixers after this game.

Jeff Green should face his first game action in this game.  Gerald Wallace, James Young, Vitor Faverani and Rajon Rondo will miss the game with their various injuries.  For the Raptors, former Celtic Greg Stiemsma is day to day as he recovers from a concussion.  Lucas Noguira is also day to day with a hamstring injury. 

Players to Watch

Jared Sullinger has been the Celtics most consistent player so far this preseason.  Hopefully he can continue with his solid play and hot shooting.   


DeMar DeRozan is a dangerous scorer.  He is averaging 22 points a game so far in the preseason and is the Raptors' leading scorer. 

Key Matchup
vs
Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan will be a good test for the Celtics defensive back court.  Smart will need to be on top of his game to keep the Raptors talented back court from taking over the game. 

Keys to the Game
Pace and Space
It has been fun watching the Celtics run and space the floor by moving the ball quickly.  In their last two games as fatigue took over, we saw a lot less of this.  Hopefully after a rest and some practice, they should be back to running and spacing the floor. 

Defense
Defense has always been and always will be a key to winning.  The Celtics have been playing good defense so far this season and have been very scrappy on that end of the court.  Coach Stevens is stressing defense and hopefully will continue to do so. 
 

[LatterDayCelticsfan]

I'm already fed up with prep season  basketball. Anyway BOLD PREDICTIONS: Jeff Green hits 40 points, Tyler Zeller gets 10 blocks.

[slamtheking]

TP FL.  stellar job as always

[BleedGreen1989]

I'll be at this game. Should be entertaining.

[Joe Green]

Anyway BOLD PREDICTIONS: Jeff Green hits 40 points, Tyler Zeller gets 10 blocks.

Bold indeed. I will see your prediction, and raise you Sully grabs 20 rebounds and KO goes 5/5 from 3 point land.

[D.o.s.]

The Bold Prediction Gospel Lives On:

Marcus Smart drops 50.

Boom.

I'll be at this game. Should be entertaining.

Likewise. The commute looks to be much nicer than heading to the TD Garden. 

[bello_man09]

lets go Cs  ..hopefully no injuries ...lets get it..

[bostonsportsforlife]

I haven't seen Caboclo much yet. I want to see what the hype is all about.

[jpotter33]

Wow, Green looks jacked!

[letsgoblue86]

Who is doing the commentary with Gorman?

[Shamrocker]

Green is playing the AB gunner role tonight.

[bello_man09]

the court looks really small..

[bello_man09]

i see smart getting fouled out of this game

[Meadowlark_Scal]

okay WHO is going to tell thornton to go practice DRIBBLING......every time he drives he loses the handle......

[Tr1boy]

Lowry teaching Smart a lesson.