Tip: 7:00 PM Court: Philips Arena Watch it: CSN, ESPN Hear it: WEEI
Referees: Ken Mauer, David Jones and Eli Roe
The Matchup
Last time
The Celtics are 2-0 vs Atlanta this season. The C's won the first meeting, 79-76, behind 19 points from Ray Allen. Joe Johnson went off for 25 points, but Josh Smith struggled with a 5-20 night from the field. The second meeting was an 88-86 overtime victory, behind 22 points from KG, 21 points from Brandon Bass and a triple double out of Rajon Rondo.
This time
Get it to: Avery Bradley
With Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Mickael Pietrus out of the line-up, AB is option #1 on offense. He's also option #3, 4 and 5.
Gotta stop: Atlanta's fast break
The only thing the Hawk's have had in their favor against the Celtics in the past five seasons is their athleticism and ability to exploit the C's on the fast break. Stopping the fast break means getting back on D after misses and controlling the pace of the game.
The Wild Card: Atlanta's mental toughness
Doc Rivers has waved the white flag. Avery Bradley, Brandon Bass and Greg Stiemsma are the only regulars who will see action in this game. I wouldn't put it past a mentally soft team like the Hawks to have a major letdown and underestimate the Celtics..
How we see it goin' down
This one could be real ugly. Unless you're related to E'Twaun Moore, JaJuan Johnson, Ryan Hollins, Sasha Pavlovic and Marquis Daniels, I don't know why you'd want to watch this game.
ATL 97 BOS 83
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