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Magic (0-0) at Celtics (0-0) Game 1 5/4
« on: May 03, 2009, 10:26:44 PM »

Offline FLCeltsFan

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Orlando Magic (0-0,4-2) at Boston Celtics (0-0,4,3)Round 2, Game 1
Postseason game 8  Home game 5
Monday, May 4
8:00 PM ET
TV:  TNT, CSN HD
TD Banknorth Garden



Probable Starting Matchups
  vs 
Rajon Rondo  PPG 19.4 RPG 9.30 APG 11.6 EFF + 30.14
Rafer Alston    PPG 15.2 RPG 2.50 APG 4.8 EFF + 14.17
 
  vs 
Ray Allen    PPG 23.4 RPG 3.10 APG 2.1 EFF + 20.29
JJ Redick   PPG 5.8 RPG 1.30 APG 1.5 EFF + 6.00 
 
  vs 
Paul Pierce   PPG 23.1 RPG 6.90 APG 2.0 EFF + 18.86 
Hedo Turkoglu    PPG 11.8 RPG 4.70 APG 3.3 EFF + 10.83
 
  vs 
Glen Davis   PPG 18.1 RPG 6.70 APG 2.6 EFF + 18.29
Rashard Lewis    PPG 19.2 RPG 6.00 APG 3.5 EFF + 19.00
 
vs
Kendrick Perkins   PPG 13.3 RPG 11.60 APG 1.3 EFF + 22.43
Dwight Howard     PPG 24.0 RPG 15.80 APG 1.0 EFF + 34.00



Reserves
Stephon Marbury
Mikki Moore
Eddie House
Gabe Pruitt
Bill Walker
JR Giddens
Brian Scalabrine
Tony Allen

Injured
Kevin Garnett (knee)  out
Leon Powe  (knee)  out

  Reserves
Courtney Lee
Tony Battie
Marcin Gortat
Adonal Foyle
Jeremy Richardson
Anthony Johnson
Mickael Pietrus
Tyronn Lue

Injured
Jameer Nelson (labrum)  out
Courtney Lee  (fractured sinus)  questionable - has been medically cleared

Key Matchups
  vs 
Rajon Rondo vs Rafer Alston
This is going to be like a matchup between Speedy Gonzales and the Road Runner.  Both are very quick point guards and both are playing very well.  It will be important for Rondo to continue to be aggressive in this series as he was in the first round. 

  vs 
Kendrick Perkins vs Dwight Howard 
Dwight Howard is the heart of the Magic's offense and defense.   When he is on his game, it is impossible to stop him. Perk has been playing great defense and the Celtics will need him to try to stop Howard with single coverage so that they don't open up the Magic's deadly outside shooters.  The Celtics need Perk to continue his strong play in this round in order to keep Howard off the boards and away from the basket. 

Honorable Mention
Just about every position is key in this series. 
Paul Pierce vs Hedo Turkoglu 
Turkoglu always seems to have a big game against the Celtics. Who can forget his game winning shot vs the Celtics last season?   Turkoglu  is their clutch shooter down the stretch and Pierce's defense is going to be tested in trying to stop him from taking over especially from long range.  Turkoglu has been up and down in the playoffs but he is sure to find his range when the stakes are raised in this series. 

Ray Allen vs JJ Reddick
Courtney Lee, the Magic's starting shooting guard has been medically cleared to play but is questionable for this game.  In his place, the Magic will start JJ Reddick.  Reddick started game 6  against the Sixers after being used sparingly or not at all in the first 4 games.  He came through for them with 15 points on 5-7 shooting from beyond the arc.  This may be the most advantageous matchup for the Celtics to go to since Reddick is a shooter but not known for his lock down defense.   

Big Baby Davis vs Rashard Lewis
Big Baby has been playing above and beyond anyone's expectations for him in these playoffs.  Rashard Lewis is going to be very tough for him to guard because Lewis can play on the block or on the perimeter and is very quick so Big Baby is going to have to up his level of play yet another notch.  During the season,  Lewis averaged 21.5 points on 51% shooting against the Celtics. 

Bench vs Bench 
The Celtics bench struggled through the first 6 games of the first round but came through big time for them in game 7.  Hopefully they have awakened and will continue to contribute.  The Magic go 4 deep into their bench on most nights and averaged 15 ppg in the first round.  They have a strong bench and the Celtics' bench will have to step up and play like they did in game 7 to match up. 

Connections
Doc Rivers coached the Magic from 1999-2004
Tony Battie played for the Celtics from 1999-2004
Mickael Pietrus, Adonal Foyle,  and Patrick O'Bryant were teammates in Golden State
Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis were teammates in Seattle
Keith Bogans and Rajon Rondo are former Kentucky Wildcats
Keith Bogans and Eddie House were teammates in Charlotte
Anthony Johnson and Scal were teammates in New Jersey
Anthony Johnson played for Doc in Orlando
Clifford Ray was an assistant for the Magic and mentored Dwight Howard in his first years in the league. 

Game Notes
The only other time these two teams met in the playoffs was in 1995 in the first round.  Orlando won the best of 5 series 3-1 with their only loss coming at home. 

Orlando is 7-10 all time in the first game in playoff series.  They are 6-3 at home and 1-7 on the road. 

The Magic come into this series with plenty of playoff experience on their team.  Their players have a total of 341 playoff games under their belts. 

The Magic averaged 96.2 points in the first round against the Sixers.  They are shooting 47% from the floor and 35% from beyond the arc.  It doesn't seem as though the Sixers put a premium on defense. 

The Celtics and the Magic tied the season series 2-2 but lost the 2 games in which Kevin Garnett didn't play (or played limited minutes).

The Celtics ranked 1st in 3 point percentage during the regular season and the Magic ranked 7th.  The Magic was second in 3 point attempts and shot over 800 more 3 pointers than the Celtics did. 

Keys to the Game
Defense  When the Celtics clamp down on defense and play the way they are capable of, they are tough to beat.  We saw this kind of defense in game 3 and for spurts in game 7, especially in the second quarter.   The Celtics have to commit to this level of defense if they want to get out of this round.  Defense wins championships and the Celtics need to play it. 

Ball Movement  When the Celtics move the ball and find the open man their offense clicks on all cylinders.  When the ball stops and there are too many iso's and too much dribbling, the offense gets stagnant and the Celtics struggle to score.  They have to trust their teammates and move the ball. 

Focus  The Celtics have to keep their focus.  They can't lose their cool and they can't pick up dumb fouls.  They have to focus on defense and team play.   

Rebounding   The team that wins the battle of the boards is the team that usually wants to win the most.  Rebounding requires effort and desire and when teams exhibit both of those qualities they will usually win the rebounding battle, win the fight for loose balls and for hustle points. 

X-Factor
Rust vs Rest
The Celtics are coming into this game on just one day rest.  The Magic have been off since Thursday.  Will the Celtics continue to roll while the Magic come in rusty?  Or will the Magic be rested and ready to go and the Celtics come in worn out from the struggle they had against the Bulls? 

Re: Magic (0-0) at Celtics (0-0) Game 1 5/4
« Reply #1 on: May 03, 2009, 10:37:10 PM »

Online Donoghus

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So glad that we have home court for this series.

I have more concern if we had to have played Game 1 down in Orlando after playing in Boston last night.

I really think that momentum can carry us tomorrow night.  I think Perk/Howard will be a great matchup.  Perk has really been coming into his own these playoffs and was finding his way to stay on the court during the Chicago series.  Obviously, it'll be tougher with Howard on the court.  However, if he just admirably contain Howard, I think we can even things out at the other positional matchups.  Let's see Ray and Paul go to town on Redick and Turkoglu.


2010 CB Historical Draft - Best Overall Team

Re: Magic (0-0) at Celtics (0-0) Game 1 5/4
« Reply #2 on: May 03, 2009, 11:06:44 PM »

Offline QuinielaBox

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A lot of our success will be predicated on how well we shut down the 3 point perimeter game of Orlando. JJ redick is no Kirk Hinrich. Rafer Alston is no Derek Rose. Hedo Turkoglu is not the shooter Ben Gorden is. Rashard Lewis will be problematic for Glen Davis - we'll have to rotate a bit. Perkins can hold his own against Dwight Howard. Dwight is overrated in my book.

The bench for Orlando is probably better than our bench (Pietrus, Lue and Battie vs House Marbury and Scalabrine)

The Celtics biggest question mark is Energy and Attrition.

Orlando's biggest question mark is mental.

Lack of Energy vs lack of mental toughness is always an interesting matchup and potential for ugliness abounds here.
Wins are few, times are hard. Here is your bleeping St Patricks Day Card.

Re: Magic (0-0) at Celtics (0-0) Game 1 5/4
« Reply #3 on: May 03, 2009, 11:13:45 PM »

Offline QuinielaBox

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I said on Saturday:
Quote
We win this game...... I PROMISE you we will win this game.

Like Bob Dole, the Q keeps his word. He kept his word against Atlanta and Cleveland last year in Game 7s. He kept his word in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

He goes into his Pregame ritual starting 2 hours before game time. 

Now rest up and get some energy going for tomorrow.

The Eyes of Quiniela are upon you!!!!!


Another promise was kept and we can continue Celtics playoff basketball discussion instead of whining about excuses and trade Tony Allen drivel.
Wins are few, times are hard. Here is your bleeping St Patricks Day Card.

Re: Magic (0-0) at Celtics (0-0) Game 1 5/4
« Reply #4 on: May 03, 2009, 11:35:56 PM »

Offline bruinsandceltics

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Re: Magic (0-0) at Celtics (0-0) Game 1 5/4
« Reply #5 on: May 03, 2009, 11:45:12 PM »

Offline kheeko

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LOL TP!! Nice

Also TP FLCeltsFan - like the throwback pics, cant wait for this game ive got a doc appt hope im out in time

Re: Magic (0-0) at Celtics (0-0) Game 1 5/4
« Reply #6 on: May 04, 2009, 08:35:42 AM »

Online celticinorlando

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i think reddick will have his hands full trying to shadow ray..

Re: Magic (0-0) at Celtics (0-0) Game 1 5/4
« Reply #7 on: May 04, 2009, 09:21:35 AM »

Online celticinorlando

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this set up reminds me of the C's-Pistons/Cavs games 1....right off the hawks into the next series...i think if boston can win tonight....it would give them some confidence

Re: Magic (0-0) at Celtics (0-0) Game 1 5/4
« Reply #8 on: May 04, 2009, 09:40:41 AM »

Offline FLCeltsFan

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Tonight's refs are

 Mark Wunderlich
http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/nba/referees/2008-2009/referee403893.html

James Capers
http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/nba/referees/2008-2009/referee665465.html

Kenny Mauer
http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/nba/referees/2008-2009/referee403889.html

This is a quote after Mauer officiated one of the Celtics' Pistons games in last year's ECF's

Quote
Kenny Mauer reasserted himself as the worst official this side of Violet Palmer. Having Mauer as part of the assigned crew of an important game is like seeing a seven day forecast of rain on the night before you leave for your vacation. Maybe he won’t quite ruin everything but you’re frustrated and concerned about your lack fo good fortune nonetheless. Mauer predictably blew several calls, including one late in the fourth when he overruled the nearer official who had whistled a Pistons foul on the play to call a travel on Ray Allen.

Doc and Mauer have also butted heads in the past.  I seem to remember one time when Mauer gave Doc 2 techs and ejected him less than 2 minutes into a game. 
« Last Edit: May 04, 2009, 10:00:02 AM by FLCeltsFan »

Re: Magic (0-0) at Celtics (0-0) Game 1 5/4
« Reply #9 on: May 04, 2009, 09:51:04 AM »

Offline ManUp

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This series will be Rondo's moment of truth for Rondo.

If he can score like he did against the Magic like he did agains the bulls we're in good shape.

Dwight is a big stop sign when entering the lane.

If Rondo isn't in there we will get murdered this series.

Re: Magic (0-0) at Celtics (0-0) Game 1 5/4
« Reply #10 on: May 04, 2009, 09:56:34 AM »

Offline Kuberski33

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Excellent opportunity to win one tonight I think, tired or not.  I hope the Garden crowd is up to it.

Re: Magic (0-0) at Celtics (0-0) Game 1 5/4
« Reply #11 on: May 04, 2009, 10:01:57 AM »

Offline QuinielaBox

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Tonight's refs are

 Mark Wunderlich
http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/nba/referees/2008-2009/referee403893.html

James Capers
http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/nba/referees/2008-2009/referee665465.html

Kenny Mauer
http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/nba/referees/2008-2009/referee403889.html

This is a quote after Mauer officiated one of the Celtics' Pistons games in last year's ECF's

Quote
Kenny Mauer reasserted himself as the worst official this side of Violet Palmer. Having Mauer as part of the assigned crew of an important game is like seeing a seven day forecast of rain on the night before you leave for your vacation. Maybe he won’t quite ruin everything but you’re frustrated and concerned about your lack fo good fortune nonetheless. Mauer predictably blew several calls, including one late in the fourth when he overruled the nearer official who had whistled a Pistons foul on the play to call a travel on Ray Allen.

Doc and Mauer have also butted heads in the past.  I seem to remember one time when Mauer gave Doc 2 techs and ejected him less than 2 minutes into a game. 


God help us! I never have any luck with Mark Wunderdick and Kenny Sewer. That gave my acid reflux reading that.
Wins are few, times are hard. Here is your bleeping St Patricks Day Card.

Re: Magic (0-0) at Celtics (0-0) Game 1 5/4
« Reply #12 on: May 04, 2009, 10:25:33 AM »

Offline Celtic

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VICTORY!!!


Re: Magic (0-0) at Celtics (0-0) Game 1 5/4
« Reply #13 on: May 04, 2009, 10:50:54 AM »

Offline bruinsandceltics

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Re: Magic (0-0) at Celtics (0-0) Game 1 5/4
« Reply #14 on: May 04, 2009, 11:36:55 AM »

Offline RAcker

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Besides the usual keys to victory, Rondo playing like Bulls' series Rondo and Scal defending Rashard Lewis at crucial times...these are big keys.