What will February bring?

[nickagneta]

Last year and this year are proving to be very similar in they that boths teams performed when looking at the schedule. Last year, the C's ran out to a 29-3 unbelievable start, and then, during January starting on a west coast trip, struggled, going 5-5 over a ten game stretch. This year, the Celtics ran out to an unbelievable 27-2 start and then, during late January and starting on a west coast trip, struggled and then went 3-7 over a ten game stretch.

Last year at the end of January and into February, after that ten game stretch, the Celtics righted the ship and then played well before having to hit the road once again where they lost three straight before once again resuming their dominating ways through until the end of the year. This year, after that ten game stretch, the Celtics have righted the ship and are currently on a nine game win streak.

So what will February bring this year? Should we expect a similar end result to last year as both seasons seem to be mirroring each other in regards to the way the team swings in and out of different streaks? Is another 3-5 game letdown in this team's future when they hit the road for a 6 game roadie starting on February 6th that will see them not playing a home game for THREE STRAIGHT WEEKS? That's right, three weeks!! Here's the schedule:

Sun, Feb 1 Minnesota 12:00 PM   
Tue, Feb 3 @ Philadelphia 7:00 PM   
Thu, Feb 5 LA Lakers 8:00 PM   
Fri, Feb 6 @ NY Knicks 7:30 PM   
Sun, Feb 8 San Antonio 1:00 PM   
Wed, Feb 11 @ New Orleans 8:00 PM   
Thu, Feb 12 @ Dallas 9:30 PM   
Thu, Feb 19 @ Utah 10:30 PM   
Sun, Feb 22 @ Phoenix 2:30 PM   
Mon, Feb 23 @ Denver 9:00 PM
Wed, Feb 25 @ LA Clippers 10:30 PM
Fri, Feb 27 Indiana 7:30 PM   

First let me say that having one week off in the middle of the road trip for the ASG break will be beneficial. Also it is only 12 games in 28 games, whereas, every other full month, Nov., Dec., Jan., and Mar., has 16, 15, 14, and 15 games in them, respectively. Those are the good things.

But they play 8 games out of the 12 on the road, their 4 games at home are against they suddenly white hot T-Wolves, Laker, Spurs,and Pacers who have given them fits in two games this year already. And then there's the trip that has them playing 6 games straight on the road against the iron of the Western Conference for 5 straight of those six game with games at New Orleans, Dallas, Utah, Phoenix and Denver beofre having a gimme in LA vs. the Clippers.

So what do you expect?

Me, I expect, much like last year for the Celtics to do well up until the ASG but them struggle for the first three games after the break as they try to get their rhythm back after being well rested. I see an 8-4 month with one home loss, probably to either LA or SA, and a 3-3 road trip.

But, that puts them at 47-13(I'm assuming a win in Detroit tomorrow) with a favorable part of their schedule coming up in March and April with only 5 really tough games remaining, 2 vs Cleveland, 2 vs Orlando and the Spurs on the road. Yeah, there's a couple of Atlanta games and a couple of Miami games but I really don't see them having a tough time with those games though I do expect a possible stub of the toe in one of them, maybe.

Should be interesting.

[Redz]

sorry...couldn't resist

[Redz]

I see a 9-3 month if all stay healthy

[wdleehi]

I expect a strong month.


I expect a strong road trip out west after the weak one they had earlier this season.


And I expect a Cassell sighting on the court.

[Redz]

And I expect a Cassell sighting on the court.

Wow, really?

[EarthBall]

Hopefully less freaking snow. 

As for the C's, the schedule looks somewhat tough. I'd be happy with 9-3. If we lose more than 4 games, I will be sad.

[RAcker]

It's going to bring a LOT of road games...and my birthday.   

[RAcker]

sorry...couldn't resist

TP for the laugh I just had.

[Andy Jick]

snow.

[Donoghus]

Only 4 home games.  At least, I'll get some rest.

[crownsy]

And I expect a Cassell sighting on the court.

Wow, really?

I'd say the end of the month is about time If the "We're going to be working him in slowly for the playoffs!" company line is true.

[Who]

That looks like a fun west coast road trip. Some good matchups there, should be a good month.

[LarBrd33]

We should have a 12 game win streak when LA heads to town...

But hopefully we don't lose to them again and go into another emotional tailspin.

[billysan]

It seems we may have 'hit the rut' and 'righted the ship' a little earlier this year than last. I still expect a couple of small bumps (weak performances) in the road, but as long as they are not sustained problems we are fine. Having that 'new guy' to work into the rotation and 'learn our stuff' before the playoffs will be a nice feeling at the end of February.