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Boston Celtics (29-5) at New York Knicks (12-19)
Sunday, January 4
6:00 PM ET
Game #35, Road Game #16
TV: NBA TV, MSG, CSN-HD
Madison Square Garden Madison Square Garden is known worldwide as one of the most popular arenas. For more than 125 years there have been four different Madison Square Garden’s in New York City. The first located at Madison Avenue and 26th Street was used for track cycling between 1879 until 1890. The second Madison Square Garden was constructed in 1890 on the same location as the first. It hosted many events but was demolished in 1925. Located at 50th Street and 8th Avenue, the third Madison Square Garden became the home of the New York Rangers (NHL) in 1926 and the New York Knicks in 1946
Probable Starting Matchups 
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Rajon Rondo vs Chris Duhon
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Ray Allen vs Quentin Richardson
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Paul Pierce vs Wilson Chandler
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Kevin Garnett vs David Lee
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Kendrick Perkins vs Jared Jeffries
Reserves Tony Allen
Glen Davis
Eddie House
Leon Powe
Gabe Pruitt
Bill Walker
Sam Cassell
Patrick O'Bryant
InjuriesNone
Reserves Malik Rose
Al Harrington
Tim Thomas
Danilo Gallinari
Jerome James
Anthony Roberson
Eddie Curry
Stephon Marbury
Nate Robinson
Cuttino Mobley
Injuries Danilo Gallinari (back) out
Eddie Curry (knee) out
Stephon Marbury (pride) out
Tim Thomas (toe) day to day
Matchups to Watch
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Ray Allen vs Quentin Richardson
This is the first time that Ray will be matched up with QRich as previously he played the small forward and has developed quite a rivalry with Paul Pierce. Richardson averaged 21 points in the two games vs the Celtics this season and has been the center of media attention for his trash talking before and after games.
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Rajon Rondo vs Chris Duhon
Rajon Rondo has averaged 20.5 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in the two games versus the Knicks this year. If Rondo is aggressive, the Knicks haven't been able to find a way to stop him.
Honorable MentionKevin Garnett vs David Lee
David Lee is a tough player who plays with a lot of heart. KG seemed to be on a mission in the game vs the Wizards and hopefully will bring that mindset to this game as well. If KG decides to take over a game there is not much that David Lee or anyone else can do. Lee will make KG work on the defensive end as well as he looks to score whenever given an opening.
Team Connections:Jerome James and Ray Allen were teammates in Seattle
Doc played for the Knicks from 1992-1995
Tom Thibodeau was the Knicks' assistant coach from 1996-2000
Stephon Marbury and Kevin Garnett were teammates in Minnesota
Stephon Marbury and Ray Allen were traded for each other in 1996
Quentin Richardson and Eddie House were teammates with the Clippers
Eddie House played for Mike D'Antoni in Phoenix
Tim Thomas and Ray Allen were teammates in Milwaukee
Tim Thomas and Sam Cassell were teammates with the Bucks and the Clippers.
Marbury wants to play for the Celtics if he can manage a buyout from the Knicks.
Keys to the GameBe Aggressive - The Celtics need to come out aggressively as they did against the Wizards and continue to set the pace of the game. The Bench must also be aggressive when they come in and not allow teams to get into the game.
Rebound - The Knicks have good rebounders and the Celtics have to show their desire to win the game by crashing the boards.
Limit Turnovers - The Celtics are still turning the ball over too much. They had 18 turnovers against the Wizards and are leading the league in turnovers per game. Teams have been taking advantage of the Celtics' turnovers and they must get them down to continue winning.
Defense - The Celtics won the championship by making defense their calling card. They must continue to stress defense in their game plan and the bench also has to become more of a defensive minded unit.
X-FactorFocusThe Celtics have lost games on the road because they lose their focus. They have to figure out how to maintain the same focus that they have at home when they play on the road. When they keep their defensive focus and their focus on the team, they are very tough to beat.
Topic: Celtics (29-5) at Knicks (12-19) 1/4 (Read 48592 times)