Hornets (0-2) at Celtics (1-1) Preseason Game #3 10/9/16

[FLCeltsFan]

  at 
Charlotte Hornets (0-2) at Boston Celtics (1-1)
Saturday, October 8, 2016
3:30 PM ET
Preseason Game #3
TV:  NBA-TV, CSNNE 
Mohecan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT



Possible Starters

PG: Marcus Smart
SG:  Gerald Green 
SF:  Jaylen Brown
PF:  Jae Crowder
C:   Tyler Zeller

Probable Reserves
Ben Bentil 50
Marcus Georges-Hunt  45
RJ Hunter  28
Demetrius Jackson  9
Jonas Jerebko  8
Jalen Jones  52
Damion Lee 56
Jordan Mickey  55
Terry Rozier  12

James Young 13


Injuries
Isaiah Thomas (rest)  out
Kelly Olynyk  (shoulder)  out
Avery Bradley (rest)  out
Al Horford (rest) out
Amir Johnson (rest)  out

Head Coach:  Brad Stevens 




Possible Starters

PG:  Kemba Walker
SG:  Nicolas Batum
SF:  Michael Kidd Gilchrist
PF:  Marvin Williams
C:  Roy Hibbert

Probable Reserves
Ramon Sessions
Frank Kaminsky
Spencer Hawes
Marco Belinelli
Andrew Andrews
Jeremy Lamb
Aaron Harrison
Christian Wood
Rasheed Sulaimon
Treveon Graham

Injuries
Brian Roberts  (hamstring) day to day
Mike Tobey  (hamstring)  day to day
Cody Zeller (knee)  out
Perry Ellis (hernia)  out

Head Coach
Steve Clifford

Game Notes
The Celtics and Hornets meet once again with the Hornets still looking for their first preseason win after an 0-2 start.  These two teams meet for the second time in 3 days with the Hornets hoping to get even for the loss at the hands of the Celtics on Thursday. 

The Celtics expect Gerald Green to make his Celtics debut for his second stint in Boston after missing most of training camp so far with a hip flexor.  Isaiah Thomas injured his wrist in Thursday's game vs the Hornets when he ran into Roy Hibbert but insists that he is fine and will play in this game.  Brad Stevens may have other thoughts on it, however.   

Kemba Walker returned on Thursday from a knee injury and played just 9 minutes.  He is expected to play a bit more in this game.  Cody Zeller is out indefinitely with a knee injury and the Hornets miss his production.  It will be interesting to see what adjustments both teams make after playing each other just two days ago.

For those who have been unable to watch the games so far because you are out of market and they haven't been on League Pass, there is good news.  This game will be televised on both CSNNE and NBA-TV. 

Players to Watch


Jaylen Brown has been impressing with his play on both ends of the court.  The rookie is fun to watch and so far has shown veteran poise on the court. 

Terry Rozier has been making fans and impressing people who once doubted him after last season's draft. 

Gerald Green is expected to make his return to the court as a Celtic in this game.  It will be interesting to see how he fits with this group of players. 



Jeremy Lamb played well against the Celtics on Thursday with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. 

Frank Kaminsky was the Hornets most effective center, despite the 7'2" Hibbert starting.  Kaminsky finished with 10 points and 6 rebounds. 

Kemba Walker returned from a knee injury in the first meeting between these two teams and played just 9 minutes.  He is always a player to keep an eye on though because he can put up big numbers when healthy.

Keys to the Game
Move the Ball  - The Celtics have been moving the ball very well and that has resulted in open shots.  The Celtics need to continue to move the ball and find the open man. 

Rebound the Ball -  The Celtics can't score if they don't have the ball.  They need to crash the boards as a team, including the guards.  Rebounding takes effort and when they put out the extra effort on the boards, it translates to the rest of their game.   

Defense - Defense wins games.  The Celtics have the players to be a top defensive team and they have to work together to play lock down defense as a team.   

X Factors
Reserve Play
The Celtics lost when the reserves struggled in the game against the Sixers and they won when the reserves played well against the Hornets.  Especially in the preseason, when the starters play limited minutes, the reserves need to come through and play well. 

[csfansince60s]

TP FLCELTS.

Great job as usual!

GO Cs.

 Let's do it again

[FLCeltsFan]

TP for csfansince60s for being the first to post in the game thread!

Goooooo Celtics!!!

[csfansince60s]

So  glad that you  and the game threads are back.

 They are like a primer on what when and where, a comprehensive reference source and initiator of great conversation.

Thanks.

[SHAQATTACK]

Go C's

[max215]

Starters:

Smart
Green
Brown
Crowder
Zeller

[positivitize]

glad to see Green in green!

[Surferdad]

Starters:

Smart
Green
Brown
Crowder
Zeller

Sure to be a very interesting game. Go Jaylen!

[j804]

Anybody got a link? I have LP unfortunately Directv isnt giving me nbatv yet 

[LarBrd33]

Nubs up for Green's debut, boys.

[TA9]

Finally an early game !

[dreamgreen]

I love these games where we get to see the young guys play heavy minutes. 

[LarBrd33]

I suspect this will be a big game for the careers of hunter and young.  Good or bad.

[hwangjini_1]

thanks for the game thread flc....though you must live a really cold place to need those wool caps.

celtics keep on winning and the baby celtics keep on growing.

goooooooo celtics!!! 

[TA9]

I suspect this will be a big game for the careers of hunter and young.

I think you are right. I'm expecting big minutes for Mickey as well, hence he might have to make an impact too in order to stick around.