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Celtics (16-27) at Timberwolves (7-37) Game #44 1/28/15
« on: January 27, 2015, 10:40:14 PM »

Offline FLCeltsFan

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  at 
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 Center




Probable Starters
PG SG SF PF C
Evan Turner...Avery Bradley...Jae Crowder...Brandon Bass...Jared Sullinger

Celtics Reserves

Phil Pressey
Tyler Zeller
Gerald Wallace
Marcus Thornton
Tayshaun Prince
Shavlik Randolph
James Young
Marcus Smart

Injuries
Kelly Olynyk (ankle) out
Evan Turner (thumb) probable
Avery Bradley (thumb)  probable
Andre Dawkins (Red Claws)  possible

Head Coach

Brad 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. 

vs
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-Factors

Fatigue 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. 
« Last Edit: January 28, 2015, 03:50:54 PM by FLCeltsFan »

Re: Celtics (16-27) at Timberwolves (7-37) Game #44 1/28/15
« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2015, 10:41:57 PM »

Offline mr. dee

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Let's grab another win and please, no tanking. ;D

Re: Celtics (16-27) at Timberwolves (7-37) Game #44 1/28/15
« Reply #2 on: January 27, 2015, 10:58:56 PM »

Offline Clench123

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We can't lose this game even if we try lol

I always said when I left the Celtics, I could not go to heaven, because that would
 be a step down. I am pure 100 percent Celtic. I think if you slashed my wrists, my
 blood would’ve been green.  -  Bill "Greatest of All Time" Russell

Re: Celtics (16-27) at Timberwolves (7-37) Game #44 1/28/15
« Reply #3 on: January 27, 2015, 11:39:43 PM »

Offline hwangjini_1

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celtics should win this one. let's hope they play well.

thanks flc!

goooo celtics!!!
I believe Gandhi is the only person who knew about real democracy — not democracy as the right to go and buy what you want, but democracy as the responsibility to be accountable to everyone around you. Democracy begins with freedom from hunger, freedom from unemployment, freedom from fear, and freedom from hatred.
- Vandana Shiva

Re: Celtics (16-27) at Timberwolves (7-37) Game #44 1/28/15
« Reply #4 on: January 27, 2015, 11:48:46 PM »

Offline SHAQATTACK

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The automatic post


Want to see Young out on the court play n!





If Prince play s. 15 min....We ll win .

Re: Celtics (16-27) at Timberwolves (7-37) Game #44 1/28/15
« Reply #5 on: January 28, 2015, 07:23:38 AM »

Offline FLCeltsFan

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I agree    mr. dee!   No tanking.   Let's teach our young guns to win!!   TP for being first to post in the game thread. 

Re: Celtics (16-27) at Timberwolves (7-37) Game #44 1/28/15
« Reply #6 on: January 28, 2015, 07:25:34 AM »

Offline FLCeltsFan

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We can't lose this game even if we try lol
I wouldn't go that far.   They lost to the Knicks who are almost as bad.  But I'm hoping they step up and come home 4-2 on this trip.   

Re: Celtics (16-27) at Timberwolves (7-37) Game #44 1/28/15
« Reply #7 on: January 28, 2015, 08:17:52 AM »

Offline celticslove

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we got this. smart will shut down wiggins.

Re: Celtics (16-27) at Timberwolves (7-37) Game #44 1/28/15
« Reply #8 on: January 28, 2015, 08:23:02 AM »

Offline krumeto

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Want to see Young out on the court play n!





If Prince play s. 15 min....We ll win .
+1 Whoever the Twolves reserve SG is, Young should be able to keep up both offensively and defensively.

Give the rook 15-20 good minutes, Brad!
"We do so many defensive drills in practice, I come home and I'm putting the press on my woman, denying her the ball.
Y'all are laughing, but it's sad. I go home and deny the wing."

Re: Celtics (16-27) at Timberwolves (7-37) Game #44 1/28/15
« Reply #9 on: January 28, 2015, 08:39:52 AM »

Offline makaveli

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no way that you forggot to put Marcus Smart, your better than that FLCeltsFan!!!  ;D
what doesn't kill you makes you stronger

Re: Celtics (16-27) at Timberwolves (7-37) Game #44 1/28/15
« Reply #10 on: January 28, 2015, 09:37:48 AM »

Offline Celts Fan 508

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FL awesome job, TP

Where is Marcus Smart on your roster?
2019 historical draft.  Pick 12

Tim Duncan, Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor, Scottie Pippen, Willis Reed, Mitch Richmond, Sam Jones, Dan Majerle, Bob Cousy, Rasheed Wallace, Shawn Kemp, Marcus Camby

Re: Celtics (16-27) at Timberwolves (7-37) Game #44 1/28/15
« Reply #11 on: January 28, 2015, 02:40:14 PM »

Offline Boston Garden Leprechaun

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Let's grab another win and please, no tanking. ;D

so we are a contender this year???  NOT!!!

WELCOME TO NBA HELL!!!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO CELTICS!

Re: Celtics (16-27) at Timberwolves (7-37) Game #44 1/28/15
« Reply #12 on: January 28, 2015, 03:51:51 PM »

Offline FLCeltsFan

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no way that you forggot to put Marcus Smart, your better than that FLCeltsFan!!!  ;D

Sorry.  I'm human and just missed him.  Although many of my former students might disagree on the human part :D    Fixed now. 

Re: Celtics (16-27) at Timberwolves (7-37) Game #44 1/28/15
« Reply #13 on: January 28, 2015, 04:00:25 PM »

Offline Celtics18

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How long's Pek been back?
DKC Seventy-Sixers:

PG: G. Hill/D. Schroder
SG: C. Lee/B. Hield/T. Luwawu
SF:  Giannis/J. Lamb/M. Kuzminskas
PF:  E. Ilyasova/J. Jerebko/R. Christmas
C:    N. Vucevic/K. Olynyk/E. Davis/C. Jefferson

Re: Celtics (16-27) at Timberwolves (7-37) Game #44 1/28/15
« Reply #14 on: January 28, 2015, 04:06:13 PM »

Offline Celts Fan 508

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Kevin Martin will return tonight
2019 historical draft.  Pick 12

Tim Duncan, Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor, Scottie Pippen, Willis Reed, Mitch Richmond, Sam Jones, Dan Majerle, Bob Cousy, Rasheed Wallace, Shawn Kemp, Marcus Camby