Celtics/Magic Game Preview

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Celtics (32-16) at Magic (33-17)

Game time: 2:30pm, TD Garden, TV – ABC. Radio – WEEI-AM (850).

Team Leaders

Scoring
Bos: Pierce – 18.9                  Magic: Dwight Howard – 17.8 

Rebounding
Bos: Perkins – 8.2                  Magic: Dwight Howard – 13.4

Assists
Bos: Rondo – 9.8                    Magic: Jameer Nelson – 4.7

Who'll go off:  Rajon Rondo. The kid is averaging 19 points and 12 assists in his last four games. I also like Paul Pierce today. Call me crazy for picking the guy who has missed the last two games with a sore foot, but I trust the captain will be on the floor and chomping at the bit to avenge Orlando's 96-94 win on Jan. 28.

Who needs to be stopped:  Dwight Howard. Despite struggling offensively in his first 3 games against Boston this season, Howard dominated the paint in the 4th quarter (11 of 19 points) of the last game. 

The C's will lose if…  they don't… defend the perimeter, push the ball and stay out of foul trouble. ESPN Boston's Chris Forsberg has the stats to back up these points.

Miscellaneous:  The Magic lead the Celtics 2-1 in the season-series. A win would mean the Magic would hold the playoff
tiebreaker against Boston. The Magic are coming off a 92-91 loss to the Wizards on Friday night. Vince Carter is shooting a career low 38%.

Prediction:   Celtics 93 – Orlando 79

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