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Boston Celtics (13-26) at Portland Trailblazers (31-12)
Thursday, January 22, 2015
10:00 PM ET
Regular Season Game #40, Road Game #18
TV: CSNNE, KGW, NBA-LP 752(DTV), 752(Xfinity)
Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, Rip City 620
Moda CenterProbable Starting Matchups Point Guard vs
Evan Turner vs Damian Lillard
Shooting Guard vs
Avery Bradley vs Wesley Matthews
Small Forward vs
Jae Crowder vs Nicolas Batum
Power Forward vs
Jared Sullinger vs Dorrel Wright
Center vs
Tyler Zeller vs Chris Kaman
Celtics ReservesPhil Pressey
Brandon Bass
Kelly Olynyk
Gerald Wallace
Marcus Smart
Marcus Thornton
Tayshaun Prince
Shavlik Randolph
InjuriesJames Young (illness) doubtful
Head CoachBrad Stevens
Blazers ReservesSteve Blake
Allen Crabbe
Will Barton
CJ McCollum
Meyers Leonard
Thomas Robinson
Victor Claver
InjuriesRobin Lopez (hand) out
Joel Freeland (shoulder) out
LaMarcus Aldridge (hand) out
Head CoachTerry Stotts
Game NotesThe Celtics begin one of the toughest stretches of games of any team this season as they take on the Portland Trailblazers. This is the first of back to backs as they will head to Denver for a game on Friday. Then one day off and another back to back set against the Warriors and the Jazz. They will play 4 games in 5 nights and travel 3,101 miles and cross a couple of time zones in the process.
Entering this game, they have had a couple of days off after their Monday afternoon loss to the LA Clippers and so hopefully will be rested and refreshed after a rare practice and a couple of days in Los Angeles. James Young was back at practice, but is still not 100% isn't expected to play in this game. The Celtics have lost 24 games in a row against Western Conference teams on the road and are looking to break that streak on this trip.
The Celtics may catch a break in that the Blazers are playing in the second of back to back games and had to travel back from Phoenix after a tough road loss. Also, LaMarcus Aldridge injured his hand in Monday's win over the Kings. He isn't expected to play in this one and that will make things a bit easier for Jared Sullinger. The Blazers are 3-1 without Aldridge.
Key Matchups vs
Evan Turner vs Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard is playing very well and will be a tough matchup for Evan Turner. Lillard is averaging 22.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. Turner has a height advantage but that's about it. But slowing Lillard down will be key to the Celtics being able to stay in this game.
vs
Avery Bradley vs Wesley Matthews
Matthews is averaging 16.3 points, 2.3 assists, and 3.4 rebounds. He is capable of putting up a lot of points in a hurry if the Celtics don't slow him down.
Keys to the Game Pace and Space - The Celtics must push the pace of the game as that may be the only way they have a chance against this tough Blazers team. They also have to move the basketball without turning it over to get open shots.
Rebound - The Celtics must make an extra effort to grab rebounds in order to give themselves extra possessions as well as to keep the Blazers from cashing in with second chance points. In their first meeting this season, the Blazers out-rebounded the Celtics 55-46 and the Celtics have to do better in this game.
Defense - The Celtics have been able to score for the most part, but they have been failing on defense. They must play tough in your face defense. They have to do a better job defending the 3 point line or the Blazers will make them pay if they don't.
Energy and Focus - The Celtics have to be the team that works harder and wants the win more. They have to dive for loose balls, go for every rebound and just hustle on every play. They have to keep their focus and avoid turning the ball over and taking bad shots. The Celtics have to be the more aggressive team on both ends of the court.
Go to the Hoop - The Blazers lead the league in defending the 3 point line, allowing just 5.3 three pointers per game on 29.8% shooting. The Celtics need to get into the paint and not settle for 3 pointers in this game as chances are that they will be well defended.
X-Factors Jet Lag and Fatigue The Celtics have had a couple days off while the Blazers played the night before and had to travel on top of it. Fatigue could become a factor for the Blazers, but being on West Coast time could affect the Celtics.