Your Morning Dump… What’s the plan for Dwight Howard?

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

The Celtics do have a little more size on the roster this season, compared to last year, when they sent Sullinger and Kris Humphries at Howard for most of the night, at least in Boston. Neither player could keep Howard out of the paint or protect against the lob. Now Zeller and Kelly Olynyk can at least provide length at the 5-spot to potentially alter shots, instead of Howard leaping and scoring right over smaller players.

“A lot of other centers don’t get the ball like Dwight does,” Sullinger said. “He’s a post-up player and you hardly ever see that in the NBA nowadays. You’ve just got to get used to it and get ready to play.”

There is, of course, one last order of business when trying to figure out how to guard Howard, and that’s when deciding to bring the double team, while keeping an eye on the outside shooter. James Harden is always a threat to get going from the outside, with old friend Jason Terry, Trevor Ariza and Patrick Beverly all capable of harming the C’s from deep.

Houston is shooting the 3 at 46.4 percent this season

Boston Herald

Kelly Olynyk needs to be smart while defending Dwight Howard tonight. I’m less concerned about losing Olynyk’s defense because the Celtics can throw Tyler Zeller and even Brandon Bass at Howard.

We need KO on the floor on offense in order to pull DH away from the basket. Maybe we can get Howard into foul trouble. He has 11 fouls after two games.

I don’t want to see Jared Sullinger guarding Dwight Howard at any point tonight. Like Olynyk, we need Sully’s offense. Make Zeller use of all of his 6 fouls. I’m hesitant to double-team Howard, too, because of Houston’s ability to shoot. I’d rather let Dwight beat me.

On Page 2, Zeller is benefiting from life with Rondo.

“It’s something that, any time you play with Rondo, he’s an unbelievable passer, so really you just try to put him in the pick-and-roll, give him or me the opportunity to get open,” Zeller said. “He did a great job drawing two [defenders] and I had a wide-open layup, so that made it pretty easy.

“Playing with Rondo, off and on with injury, I’ve learned how amazing his passes are and how much he sees. So a lot of times if you can just sneak behind a defense, he’ll find you and you’ll be wide open.”

But even though Zeller was only on the court for six minutes in the Celtics’ season-opening win, with Rondo’s court vision and the Celtics’ shooters attracting attention, there were easy buckets for him under the rim.

Boston Globe

6 points in 6 minutes for Tyler Zeller. That’s a helluva ratio.

After a hideous preseason, I was thrilled to see Zeller capable of making a positive contribution. All he needs to do is keep those hands ready and finish around the rim. Rondo can make life easier for just about any big man not named Mark Blount.

And finally, the Lakers defense is airtight and razor sharp.

The Lakers are 0-3 and Kobe’s shooting 40%.

It’s going to be a fun season in LA.

The rest of the links:

ESPN Boston – Celtics sign up for grit, teamwork | SI.com – Will C’s be surprise team? | CSNNE – Celtics/Rockets preview | Colton Iverson making big strides | Ariza brings something special to Rockets