Celtics (41-23) at Cavaliers (51-15)
Game time: 3:30pm, Quicken Loans Arena. TV – ABC, Radio – WEEI-AM (850)
Team Leaders
Scoring
Bos: Pierce – 17.6 Cavaliers: LeBron James – 29.9
Rebounding
Bos: Perkins – 7.7 Cavaliers: Andy Varejao – 7.9
Assists
Bos: Rondo – 9.8 Cavaliers: James – 8.6
Who'll go off: Rajon Rondo. He dominated the 1st quarter the last time these teams met (108-88 CLE on Feb. 25). Since neither Mo Williams nor Delonte West can cover him, Doc needs to keep Rondo fresh so the Celtics offense is running at its best in the 4th quarter.
Who needs to be stopped: Andy Varejao & JJ Hickson. The Cavs front line duo are a match-up nightmare for the Celtics.
The C's will lose if… Paul Pierce doesn't play like it's 2008. If the game is close down the stretch, the Celtics will need Pierce's best offensive and defensive efforts (covering Lebron). And while it's doubtful they will out rebound the Cavs, Perk and co. need to keep it close.
Miscellany: Antawn Jamison (knee) is expected to play. James is averaging 37.0 points and 8.5 assists in two games versus the Celtics this season. Michael Finley has connected on 10-of-14 shots since joining the Celtics.
Prediction: Cleveland 95 – Celtics 94
After the jump, the Cavs dancers…. in bikinis.
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