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Boston Celtics (16-27) at Minnesota Timberwolves (7-37)
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
8:00 PM ET
Regular Season Game #44, Road Game #22
TV: CSN-NE, FS North, NBA-LP 757(DTV)/755(Xfinity)
Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, WCCO-AM 830
Target CenterProbable Starters PG
SG
SF
PF
C
Evan Turner...Avery Bradley...Jae Crowder...Brandon Bass...Jared Sullinger
Celtics ReservesPhil Pressey
Tyler Zeller
Gerald Wallace
Marcus Thornton
Tayshaun Prince
Shavlik Randolph
James Young
Marcus Smart
InjuriesKelly Olynyk (ankle) out
Evan Turner (thumb) probable
Avery Bradley (thumb) probable
Andre Dawkins (Red Claws) possible
Head CoachBrad Stevens
Probable Starters PG
SG
SF
PF
C
Mo Williams...Andrew Wiggins...Thaddeus Young... Gorgui Dieng...Nikola Pekovic
Timberwolves Reserves Anthony Bennett
Chase Budinger
Troy Daniels
Zach LaVine
Miroslav Raduljica
Glenn Robinson III
Injuries Robbie Hummel ( hand) out
Kevin Martin (wrist) questionable
Shabazz Muhammad (oblique) out
Ricky Rubio (ankLE) out
Head Coach Flip Saunders
Game Notes The Celtics finally arrive at the 6th and final game of this road trip as they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. This is the second and final game between these two teams. The Celtics won the first meeting at home 114-98 back in December.
Both teams looked considerably different for that game. The Celtics were reeling from the trade that sent Rajon Rondo to the Mavs and they started Evan Turner, Avery Bradley, Jeff Green, Jared Sullinger and Tyler Zeller. They were short handed because the new players were not yet ready to play and there were a couple of injuries also. The Wolves had also made a trade and were also hit with several injuries and started Zach Lavine, Corey Brewer, Andrew Wiggins, Thaddeus Young and Gorgui Dieng.
The Wolves own the worst record in the league with just 7 wins. They have lost their last 5 in a row. The Celtics are looking for their second straight win but have won 3 of their last 4 games on this road trip, losing only to the best team in the league and that by just 3 points.
The final game of a long road trip is always the hardest with fatigue catching up to the players and they are looking forward to being back home again finally. A win in this game would give the Celtics a 4-2 record on this very tough road trip. Needless to say, this is a winnable game if they keep their focus and play like they have in their past 4 games. But, they have let up their effort against teams they should beat before, so it's not a given by any means.
Evan Turner reinjured his thumb against the Jazz. X-Rays were negative and he is expected to play in this one. Avery Bradley is also dealing with a jammed thumb and is also expected to play. Kelly Olynyk remains out with the ankle injury. It was mentioned that Andre Dawkins may join the team for this game or he may remain in Maine until the Celtics return home.
For the injury plagued Timberwolves, Ricky Rubio, Robbie Hummel, and Shabazz Muhammad are all out with various injuries. Kevin Martin, who has missed the past 34 games after fracturing his wrist vs New York on November 19 is listed as questionable for this game.
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Avery Bradley vs Andrew Wiggins
The Wolves talented rookie is leading the team with 15.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.11 steals. Avery will need to keep Wiggins in check for the Celtics to win.
vs
Jae Crowder vs Thaddeus Young
Young has been playing very well, averaging 14.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.77 steals per game. Once again, Crowder's defense will be needed to slow down his opponent.
Keys to the Game
Defense - The Celtics must defend. The offense feeds off of the defense and if the Celtics can't get stops they struggle on the other end as well. Their defense has improved over the road trip and hopefully it will continue to be strong in this game. Defense wins games.
Rebound - The Celtics must get rebounds to prevent second chance points and fast breaks. Rebounding takes effort and desire and the Celtics have got to show both and crash the boards as a team. They can't score if they don't have the ball ans so they have to crash the boards.
Be Aggressive - The Celtics have to be aggressive in going after loose balls and rebounds and in taking the ball to the basket. They also have to be aggressive on defense. When they are aggressive in going to the hoop good things happen. The Celtics have to play like they are the team that wants it more.
Set the Pace- The Celtics must run from the beginning of the game until the final buzzer. Running will allow them to get easy baskets as they get down the court before the defenses set up. It will be tempting to slow it down because they have had a rough trip but they need to continue to push the pace.
X-FactorsFatigue and Focus The Celtics have had a grueling road trip and so fatigue may be a factor down the stretch. Also, for a young team, it would be easy to lose focus as they look ahead to getting back home. If they keep their energy up and stay focused they have a good chance at ending the trip with 4 wins against just 2 losses.