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Milwaukee Bucks (0-1) at Boston Celtics (0-1)
Friday, November 1, 2013
Regular Season Game #1, Home Game #1
TV: CSNNE, WBZ, NBA-LP (DTV 758)(Xfinity 754, 765)
Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub, AM620 WTMJ
TD Garden
Possible Starters PG: Avery Bradley
SG: Gerald Wallace
SF: Jeff Green
PF: Brandon Bass
C: Vitor Faverani
Celtics Reserves MarShon Brooks
Jordan Crawford
Kris Humphries
Kelly Olynyk
Phil Pressey
Jared Sullinger
Courtney Lee
InjuriesRajon Rondo (ACL)out
Avery Bradley (head) day to day
Phil Pressey (ankle) day to day
Keith Bogans (thumb) day to day
Players to WatchJeff Green had a big game and showed the aggressiveness that the Celtics need from him in the first game. The big test will be whether he can do it two games in a row.
Honorable MentionJared Sullinger
After serving a suspension in the first game, this will be Jared's first regular season game. The Celtics need his presence under the basket and his rebounding.
Probable Starters
Bucks Reserves Nate Wolters
Ersan Ilyasova
Gary Neal
Zaza Pachulia
Giannis Antetokounmpo
John Henson
Miroslav Raduljica
Luke Ridnour
InjuriesCarlos Delfino (foot) out
Ekpe Udoh (knee) out
Players to WatchAfter being courted by the Celtics for the past couple of seasons, OJ Mayo is now with the Bucks. He is capable of scoring in bunches if not defended well.
Honorable Mention Larry Sanders
Last season, Larry Sanders had a couple of big games against the Celtics. He had 18 points and 16 rebounds in one game and 20 rebounds in another. Hopefully the Celtics bigs can contain him in this one.
Game Notes The Celtics come into their home opener looking for their first win of the season. The Bucks are also looking for their first win, having lost to the Knicks on the road on Wednesday.
The Celtics starting lineup is still up in the air. I have a feeling that it's going to be awhile before we actually know who will be starting each game. The starting lineup above is once again from the Game Notes. I think they just go with the starters from the previous game. I'm going to take a guess and say that in this game Stevens will start
Jordan Crawford
Avery Bradley
Jeff Green
Jared Sullinger
Kelly Olynyk
Crawford was playing the point on the green team in practice. And after Wednesday's game, Stevens said something about had Sully been available he might have started Kelly next to him. So, I'm taking a wild guess on my pick. Maybe we should have a predict the starting lineup contest for every game.
Like the Celtics, the Bucks have several new players and are trying to build past being a middle of the pack team. This is a very winnable game if the Celtics come in and play with energy for 48 minutes.
Keys to the GameAttack the Paint - In their first game, the Bucks were outscored in the paint 50-28 by the Knicks. The Celtics need to attack the hoop and not settle for jumpers.
Rebound- The Celtics must attack the boards on both ends of the court. They have to grab offensive rebounds to give themselves more second chance points and they must grab defensive rebounds to keep the Bucks from getting those second chances.
Make Layups - In every game so far, the Celtics have missed way too many bunnies. What should be easy points end up being turnovers or missed opportunities. They have to find a way to make those layups.
Defense - Defense is always a key to winning.
X-Factor Home Court Advantage
This is the Celtics home opener. The fans will still be hyped from the Red Sox victory on Wednesday and should give the team a nice lift with their energy.