Celtics (7-1) vs. Utah (3-4)
Game time: 7:30, TD Garden. TV – CSN. Radio – WEEI-AM (850)
Team Leaders
Scoring
Bos: Pierce – 18.8 Jazz: Deron Williams – 21.4
Rebounding
Bos: Garnett – 8.3 Jazz: Carlos Boozer – 11.6
Assists
Bos: Rondo – 9.0 Jazz: Williams – 10.7
Who'll go off: The entire Celtics team. In the last three games, the Celtics have two ugly wins (MIN, NJ) and one loss (PHX). With three full days of rest, I'm expecting this team to come out firing on all cylinders. They've had a couple of practices to work out the kinks and the guys shooting ice cold (Wallace, House) should find their range.
Who needs to be stopped: Carlos Boozer (17 ppg, 11 rpg). He gets the nod because Deron Williams is doubtful with a back injury. The perimeter-loving Mehmet Okur can also be a pain. While Okur can be a tough cover for Perk, Doc has the luxury of throwing Sheed on him.
The C's will lose if… they don't rebound. Did you know the Celtics rank 28th in the league in rebounding? Utah is a bit better and they have a big front line (Boozer, Kirilenko, Okur and Milsap).
Wildcard: The Jazz injuries. Williams is a game-time decision and back-up point guard Ronnie Price is doubtful out with a toe injury. If both are out, rookie Eric Maynor will get thrown to the wolves. If Williams plays, will he have enough mobility to stick with Rajon Rondo?
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