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Boston Celtics (43-31) at Portland Trailblazers (39-36)
Thursday, March 31, 2016
10:00 PM ET
Regular Season Game #75, Road Game #38
TV: CSNNE, CSNNW, NBA-LP 756(DTV), 75757(Xfinity)
Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, Rip City 620, Sirius 212
Moda Center
Probable Starting Matchups Point Guard 
vs
Isaiah Thomas vs Damian Lillard
Shooting Guard 
vs
Avery Bradley vs CJ McCollum
Small Forward
vs
Jae Crowder vs Al-Farouq Aminu
Power Forward
vs
Amir Johnson vs Maurice Harkless
Center
vs
Jared Sullinger vs Mason Plumlee
Celtics ReservesEvan Turner
RJ Hunter
Jonas Jerebko
Terry Rozier
Tyler Zeller
Marcus Smart
Jordan Mickey
Kelly Olynyk
James Young
Head CoachBrad Stevens
InjuriesJae Crowder (ankle) questionable
Blazers Reserves Cliff Alexander
Pat Connaughton
Allen Crabbe
Ed Davis
Maurice Harkless
Gerald Henderson
Luis Montero
Brian Roberts
Noah Vonleh
Head Coach Terry Stotts
Injuries Meyers Leonard (shoulder) out
Chris Kaman (upper respiratory) questionable
Game Notes The Celtics West Coast road trip continues with a stop in Portland to face the Trailblazers for the second time this season. The Celtics won the first meeting in Boston 116-93. Isaiah Thomas was the high scorer in that game with 30 while Lillard added 20 for the Blazers. They finished last season tied with each winning on the road. The last time the Celtics swept the series from the Blazers was in 2010-11.
The Celtics are playing in the first of back to back games with a game against the Warriors looming on Friday night. The Celtics are 9-8 on the first night of back to back games and 3-1 when those games are road/road. Portland is 24-12 at home while the Celtics are 18-19 on the road. The Blazers have won their last 5 games at home
The Celtics dropped to 5th in the East 1/2 game behind Miami (4) and 1 game behind Atlanta (3). They are tied with Charlotte who are in 6th because the Celtics own the tie breaker. Portland is 6th in the West, 2.5 games behind Mamphis. Game to watch: Thursday - MIA@LAL
Jae Crowder practiced with the team on Wednesday after being out the last couple of weeks with a high ankle sprain. He is listed as questionable for this game depending on how the ankle feels when he gets up on Thursday. Putting him into the starting lineup is my way of wishful thinking. For Portland Myers Leonard (shoulder) is out and Chris Kaman (upper respiratory) is questionable.
Key Matchups vs
Isaiah Thomas vs Damian Lillard
Isaiah will have his hands full guarding Damien Lillard who has been playing with a chip on his shoulder after being left off the Western All Star team. He is averaging 25.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game. Isaiah out-played him in their first meeting scoring 30 points to 20 for Lillard.
vs
Avery Bradley vs CJ McCollum
While Isaiah is working to guard Lillard, Avery will have a challenge of his own trying to stay with CJ McCollum, who is averaging 20.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists. The Celtics will need to play tough defense to try to control Portland's high scoring back court duo. McCollum was held to 17 points in their first meeting.
Keys to the Game Defense - The Celtics have had their most success when they dig in and play tough team defense. They have let their defense slip somewhat recently, allowing 109.9 points in their last 10 games They must play tough in your face defense especially to keep Lillard and McCollum from having big games. The Blazers have been playing very well at home, averaging 114.4 in their last 10 games at home. The Celtics need to play tough swarming defense if they hope to get a win in this one.
Rebound - The Celtics must make an extra effort to grab rebounds in order to give themselves extra possessions as well as to keep the Blazers from cashing in with second chance points. The Blazers are 5th in the league in rebounding with 45.7 per game and 4th in second chance points and so the Celtics are going to have to work hard to beat them on the boards.
Be Aggressive - The Celtics have to be the team that works harder and wants the win more. They have to dive for loose balls, go for every rebound and just hustle on every play. They have to be aggressive in getting to the basket as well and not settle for outside shots, especially if they aren't falling. They need to outwork the Blazers who will have the crowd behind them and be rested after having a couple of days off.
Move the Ball - The Celtics have to keep the ball moving. One on one and hero ball won't get them many wins. They have to use their depth and team play to out-play their opponents. They have to move the ball looking for the open man and the best shots. When they average under 20 assists they often struggle.
Focus - The Celtics must keep their focus and not allow the distractions on the road to keep them from playing their best. They also have to focus on taking good shots and making them. If the 3's aren't falling they need to go to the basket and score or draw fouls. They have to focus on taking good shots and making them.
X-Factors Officiating Factor - The officiating is an x factor for every game. Every officiating crew calls games differently. Some call every little foul making it difficult to get any rhythm and some let the teams play. Some refs have an agenda and call the game for or against a particular team or player or to favor the home team. And there are always star calls no matter who the referees are. Regardless of how the game is called, the Celtics need to play through it and keep their focus.
Revenge Factor - As with the Clippers, the Blazers will be looking to avenge their earlier loss to the Celtics in Boston. The Celtics are going to have to match their intensity and work especially hard to get this win.
Jae Factor - It would give the Celtics a huge boost if Jae Crowder could return for this game. They miss his fire, his clutch shots and most of all, his defense. Granted he will be rusty when he comes back, but still having him return would give them a boost.
Topic: Celtics (43-31) at Trailblazers (39-36) Game #75 3/31/16 (Read 28798 times)