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Boston Celtics (15-27) at Utah Jazz (16-28)
Monday, January 26, 2015
9:00 PM ET
Regular Season Game #43 Road Game #20
TV: CSN-NE, ROOT, NBA-LP 758(DTV), 759(Xfinity)
Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, KZNS
Energy Solutions ArenaProbable Starters PG: Evan Turner
SG: Avery Bradley
SF: Jae Crowder
PF: Brandon Bass
C: Jared Sullinger
Celtics ReservesPhil Pressey
Tyler Zeller
Gerald Wallace
Marcus Thornton
Tayshaun Prince
Shavlik Randolph
James Young
InjuriesKelly Olynyk (ankle) out
Marcus Smart (death in family) probable
Head CoachBrad Stevens
Probable Starters PG: Dante Exum
SG: Joe Ingles
SF: Gordon Hayward
PF: Derrick Favors
C: Enes Kanter
Jazz Reserves Rudy Gobert
Trevor Booker
Trey Burke
Elijah Millsap
Ian Clark
Elliot Williams
Jeremy Evans
Steve Novak
Injuries Alec Burks (shoulder) out
Rodney Hood (foot) out
Head CoachQuin Snyder
Game Notes The Celtics grueling road trip continues as the Celtics pay a visit to the Utah Jazz. This is the first of two meetings between these two teams this season. They will meet in Boston on March 4.
Last season these two teams split the series with each team winning on their home court. Jeff Green and Kelly Olynyk led the Celtics with 21 each in the Celtics win. Neither of those players will be available for this one. Jared Sullinger averaged 14 points and 8 rebounds in the two contests. Haward averaged 10 points, 6.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists in the two games Kanter averaged 17 points and 6.5 rebounds for the Jazz.
Jazz leading scorer Gordon Hayward played for Celtics head coach Brad Stevens at Butler and the two remain close. Jae Crowder also has a connection to the Jazz. His dad Corey Crowder played for the Jazz during the 1991-92 season.
The Celtics are 6-13 on the road while the Jazz are 8-12 at home. The Jazz have won their last two games and are coming off a blow out win over the Brooklyn Nets 108-73. The Celtics had won two games in a row before their loss to the Warriors. It was a tough loss, but they had to feel good about hanging with the Warriors who have been blowing every other team out lately.
The Celtics are playing in the second of back to back games and in the 4th game in 5 nights. They are 3-4 in the second of back to back games this season and 1-1 in the second game of road/road back to backs. They can win this game but they need to focus and play hard as a team.
Key Matchups vs
Jae Crowder vs Gordon Hayward
Hayward is leading the Jazz with 19.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists. If Jae can slow him down, it will give the Celtics a good chance to grab a win in this one.
vs
Brandon Bass vs Derrick Favors
Favors is averaging 15.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists. Bass will need to make him work on both ends of the court.
Keys to the Game Rebound - Much of rebounding is effort and when the Celtics put out that effort on the boards, we see it in the other areas of the game.
Take Care of the Ball - The Celtics still turn the ball over too much. They have to take better care of the ball, make smart passes, and limit their turnovers.
Play 48 Minutes - The Celtics can't afford to dig a hole at the beginning of the game and they can't let up at the end and lose focus and miss shots and allow the Jazz to score. They also can't afford those periods in the game where they turn the ball over and lose their focus. They have to play hard from the opening tip to the final buzzer.
Defense - Defense is the key to winning each and every game. The Celtics must play swarming team defense, especially in transition. Defense wins games and it has to come from every player.
X-FactorsFatigue and Focus
The Celtics are playing in their 4th game in 5 nights and in the second of back to back games on a tough road trip. Fatigue could get them down the stretch. As a young team, they also have to focus in a difficult situation.