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Boston Celtics (12-22) at Toronto Raptors (24-11)
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Regular Season Game #35, Road Game #16
TV: CSNNE, Sportsnet 360, NBA-LP 758(DTV), 751(Xfinity)
Radio: WZLX 100.7, Sportsnet 590
Air Canada CentreProbable Starters Evan Turner...Avery Bradley...Jae Crowder...Jared Sullinger...Tyler Zeller
Celtics ReservesPhil Pressey
Brandon Bass
Kelly Olynyk
Gerald Wallace
Marcus Smart
James Young
Marcus Thornton
Jameer Nelson
InjuriesNone
Maybe players Jeff Green (probably not)
Tayshaun Prince (maybe)
John Salmons (who knows?)
Probable Starters Kyle Lowry...Terrence Ross...Landry Fields...Amir Johnson...Jonas Valanciunas
Raptors Reserves Chuck Hayes
James Johnson
Tyler Hansbrough
Lou Williams
Greivis Vasquez
Greg Stiemsma
Landry Fields
Lucas Nogueira
Bruno Caboclo
InjuriesDeMar DeRozan (adductor) out
Game Notes The Celtics will try to shake off the trades and the OT loss to the Pacers as they take on the Toronto Raptors for the 3rd time this season. The Celtics lost to the Raptors twice in the preseason and again on November 5 when they met in Boston for the first time in the regular season.
The Celtics, in spite of learning that two teammates had been traded just before the game, hung in with the Pacers to force overtime before losing by 4 points. They then had to travel from Indiana to Toronto and will have their hands full with a Toronto team that is 5-0 against Atlantic Division teams and that leads the division by 8 games.
Assuming that Danny hasn't traded half the team by game time, I've done my best to keep up with the roster. Jae Crowder started at small forward in place of Jeff Green and I assume that he will start again in this game. It's doubtful that Prince and/or Salmons will be available for this game. Hopefully James Young will once again be active. Jameer Nelson has said that he is healthy enough to play but with the numbers crunch has remained on the inactive list.
This is the 6th of 18 back to back sets for the Celtics this season. It is their first road/road set. They are 2-3 in the second game of back to backs so far. The Raptors have lost 4 in a row and are hoping to avoid their first 5 game losing streak this season. The Raptors are 14-4 at home while the Celtics are just 4-11 on the road.
Key Matchups vs
Evan Turner vs Kyle Lowry
Lowry has become one of the best point guards in the east. He is averaging 20.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.5 steals. Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart should see time guarding Lowry while Turner guards Ross.
vs
Tyler Zeller vs Jonas Valanciunas
It doesn't get easier for Tyler Zeller. Against the Pacers, he had to deal with Roy Hibbert and now he has to face Jonas Valanciunas who is averaging 12.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 0.9 blocks.
Keys to the Game DefenseDefense has always been and always will be the key to winning. It was the Celtics defense that fueled the win over the Nets. When they play tough defense it also brings more energy to their offense. The Raptors are 5th in scoring at 107.7 points per game so it will be very important to bring tough defense right from the start and keep it up through the final buzzer.
Be AggressiveThe Celtics must be aggressive on defense, in going after loose balls, in crashing the boards, and just all around going all out. They have to aggressively attack the basket. They need to start the game with that aggressive attitude and be aggressive throughout.
ReboundThe Celtics must crash the boards. They can't score if they don't have the ball. Much of rebounding is effort and desire. The Celtics have to be the team that puts out more effort from every player to go after rebounds.
Pace and Focus The Celtics need to run on every possession and move the ball in order to find the open man. They also have to keep their focus and avoid costly turnovers.
X-Factors Back to Back and Distractions
The Celtics are playing in the second of back to back games along with having to travel over night. Even though they are a young team, fatigue may be an issue for them. They also have a lot of distractions that they have to ignore. They can't let the hostile crowd or the trades of their teammates affect them.