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Boston Celtics (30-36) at Oklahoma City Thunder (37-30)
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
8:00 PM ET
Game #67, Road Game #33
TV: CSNNE, FSOK, NBA-LP 761(DTV)/757(Xfinity)
Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, WWLS 98.1 FM
Chesapeake Energy ArenaProbable Starting Matchups
Point Guard vs
Marcus Smart vs Russell Westbrook
Shooting Guard vs
Avery Bradley vs Andre Roberson
Small Forward vs
Evan Turner vs Dion Waiters
Power Forward vs
Brandon Bass vs Enes Kanter
Center vs
Celtics ReservesGerald Wallace
Jae Crowder
James Young
Phil Pressey
Shavlik Randolph
Isaiah Thomas
Jonas Jerebko
Gigi Datome
Kelly Olynyk
InjuriesJared Sullinger (foot) out
Isaiah Thomas (back,elbow) out
Head CoachBrad Stevens
Thunder ReservesDJ Augustin
Nick Collison
Perry Jones
Jeremy Lamb
Mitch McGary
Anthony Morrow
Steve Novak
Kyle Singler
InjuriesSerge Itaka (knee) out
Kevin Durant (foot) out
Game Notes The Celtics bring their 5 game win streak on the road for a visit to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both teams are fighting to make the playoffs, both had a roster overhaul at the trade deadline and both are dealing with injuries.
The Thunder have been missing Kevin Durant, who has been out much of the season with foot injuries. He has been able to begin practice once again and there is a slight chance he may return Wednesday, but hopefully they will be cautious with him and give him another game to rest. Serge Ibaka has missed the past 3 games and will be out 4-6 weeks after having surgery on his knee. The Celtics are still without their spark plug Isaiah Thomas and Jared Sullinger will miss the rest of the season.
The Celtics have won 5 straight for the first time in 2 years. They are 7-3 in their last 10 games and 12-20 on the road. The Thunder have won their last 10 games against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 5-5 in their last 10 games and 23-9 at home.
This is the second and final game between these two teams. The Thunder won the first meeting in Boston 109-94. Both Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant missed that game. The Celtics starting line up included Rajon Rondo, Jeff Green and Jared Sullinger, and Kendrick Perkins was coming off the bench for the Thunder.
Key Matchups
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Marcus Smart vs Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook has been a one man wrecking crew since the All Star break. With Durant out, he is taking on more of the load for OKC. Since the break, he is averaging 32.5 points, 10.8 assists and 10.0 rebounds. It will be up to both Smart and Bradley to some how slow him down.
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Brandon Bass vs Enes Kanter
Although new to the Thunder since the trade deadline, Kanter is playing very well. He is averaging 14.3 points and 8.3 rebounds for the season. As he has gotten used to OKC's system, he has been putting up some big numbers, particularly in his last two games. Against Dallas, he had 19 points and 13 rebounds and against Chicago he had 18 points and 18 rebounds.
Keys to the Game Rebound - The Thunder lead the league in rebounding with 47.7 per game. Their big front line of Kanter and Adams make it difficult for opposing teams to grab rebounds. The Celtics will need to put extra effort into crashing the boards as a team. Much of rebounding is effort and desire and they have to show both if they hope to have a chance in this game.
Defense - Defense is always a key to winning. The Celtics will need to defend the perimeter as well as the inside because they have players who can score both inside and out. The Celtics have been playing good defense and they will need to continue that in this game. If the Thunder have one weakness, it may be turning the ball over. They have allowed 57 points off of turnovers in their last 2 games. The Celtics need to be active on defense and try to force turnovers.
Pace and Space - The Celtics need to set the pace and continue to run and to move the ball. When they slow down, they aren't near as effective as when they are running on every possession. They also can't play hero ball. They are best as a team, moving the ball, finding the open man and sharing the scoring.
Be Aggressive - The Celtics have to be aggressive and fight for loose balls, 50/50 balls, rebounds, and be aggressive on defense and in going to the hoop. They have to be the more aggressive team and the one that wants it more.
X-Factors
Focus on the Road and Effort The Celtics need to keep their focus and not let the distractions on the road derail them. They have to play with the same effort that they have in their 5 game win streak. They can't let the absence of Durant and Ibaka make them relax. If they can keep their focus and bring the effort, they have a good chance of winning.