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.
After a strong start to the season on the defensive glass led by Garnett, the Celtics have dropped to ninth in defensive rebounding rate, which isn’t bad, but not as good as they were. The obvious reason for the drop was the absence of Garnett, but since he’s been back they’ve had only one dominant rebounding game (against Detroit) and four mediocre ones.
Asked about the slide after practice on Monday, Rivers said he isn’t worried about the rebounding yet, and the assumption is that when Garnett and Perkins get their timing back they will help the Celtics return to the top of the rankings.
That needs to happen on this trip because they face three of the top five offensive rebounding teams in the league in Portland, Los Angeles and Sacramento.
The Celtics held both the Blazers and Kings in check in their earlier meetings and will need a similar effort this time around. The Lakers need no advance scouting report. The 23 offensive rebounds they surrendered in Game 7 will haunt them the rest of their days.
What would constitute a successful trip? Taking at least two out of three against Portland, Phoenix and Sacramento would be a good start, but it all really comes down to Sunday in Los Angeles.
The Celtics already have wins against Miami, Chicago, Orlando and San Antonio. All that’s left from the regular season resume is a win in L.A.
WEEI – What to watch for on the West coast trip
Rebounding is the ultimate hustle stat. And if the Celtics are in the winter doldrums portion of the schedule, then it's natural that their rebounding will suffer. Injuries are also a part of this equation – the frontcourt has been a revolving door. With Perk back on the court, one would assume the rebounding will approve.
Shaquille O'Neal made the trip to Portland, but his status for tonight's game is unknown. Marquis Daniels is also expected back tonight.
As for my expectations for the road trip, I'm confident the Cs can go 3-1. I'm afraid the loss will come vs Los Angeles.
Related links: Herald – Celtics on big road trip | ESPN Boston – Head West | CSNNE – Celtics hope to regain touch out West |
On Page 2, now's the time to hit up Wyc Grousbeck for a loan.
The Celtics are the fourth-highest valued NBA franchise in the latest list released by Forbes Magazine. The magazine valued the team at $452 million.
The Knicks overtook the Lakers as the most valuable franchise, the Knicks' value rising from $586 million last year to $655 million this year. Increased ticket sales and sponsorships contributed to the rise. The value of the Lakers went up six percent, from $607 million to $643 million. The Bulls, valued at $511 million, were third.
LeBron James had an impact on the value of two franchises. The Miami Heat's value rose 17 percent, to $425 million. Meanwhile, the value of the Cleveland Cavaliers dropped a league-high 26 percent to $355 million.
Globe – Celtics 4th most valuable franchise
Wyc bought the team 8 years ago for $360 million. Safe to say he's seen a decent increase in his investment during a recession. Let's hope Wyc never sells this team, I love the guy.
Click here for more details on the Celtics value and revenue.
The rest of the links:
Globe – Buddy system (Nate and Brandon Roy) | Blazers thumbnails | CSNNE – Truth and rumors | Almost home (Nate) |
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
