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Boston Celtics (50-16) at Milwaukee Bucks (30-38)
Sunday, March 15
1:00 PM ET
Game #67, Road Game #34
TV: CSN HD, FSN Wisc, NBA LP 754
Bradley Center Coach: Doc Rivers
Average Age: 26.6
Average Height: 6-6
Average Weight: 222Probable Starters PG: Rajon Rondo PPG 11.6 RPG 5.30 APG 8.4 EFF + 19.13
SG: Ray Allen PPG 18.5 RPG 3.50 APG 2.8 EFF + 17.34
SF: Paul Pierce PPG 20.3 RPG 5.60 APG 3.8 EFF + 19.25
PF: Leon Powe PPG 7.3 RPG 4.70 APG 0.6 EFF + 8.89
C: Kendrick Perkins PPG 8.2 RPG 8.10 APG 1.2 EFF + 14.00
ReservesMikki Moore
Stephon Marbury
JR Giddens
Eddie House
Gabe Pruitt
Bill Walker
Injuries: Tony Allen (thumb) out
Kevin Garnett (knee) out
Brian Scalabrine (head) out
Glen Davis (ankle) out
Coach: Scott Skiles
Average Age: 27.5
Average Height: 6-7
Average Weight: 220Probable Starters PG: Ramon Sessions PPG 12.4 RPG 3.30 APG 5.1 EFF + 13.80
SG: Luc Mbah a Moute PPG 7.2 RPG 6.00 APG 0.9 EFF + 10.91
SF: Richard Jefferson PPG 18.8 RPG 4.60 APG 2.3 EFF + 15.18
PF: Charlie Villanueva PPG 16.7 RPG 6.90 APG 1.9 EFF + 16.97
C; Francisco Elson PPG 3.4 RPG 3.70 APG 0.6 EFF + 6.40
ReservesMalik Allen
Dan Gadzuric
Joe Alexander
Damon Jones
Charlie Bell
Keith Bogans
Luke Ridnour
Injuries Michael Redd (ACL/MCL) out
Andrew Bogut (back) out
Key Matchupsvs
Paul Pierce and Richard Jefferson have had many battles over the years when RJ was in New Jersey. Jefferson has been playing well in Milwaukee and this should be a good matchup to watch.
vs
Leon Powe has been playing very well in his role as a starter and is coming off a career game against the Grizzlies. He gives up several inches to Villanueva but Leon's heart makes up for his lack of height. He has been outplaying taller players all along. He will need to continue his strong play in this one as well.
Honorable Mention Rajon Rondo vs Ramon Sessions
It has been pointed out many times since he went down with the ankle injury that Rondo may very well be the MVP of this team. With Rondo back in the lineup for the last game, they looked like a completely different team. Rondo makes the Celtics go and should be able to have his way against Sessions.
ConnectionsRay Allen and Charlie Villanueva are former UConn Huskies
Bucks' assistant Coach Joe Wolf played for the Celtics 92-93
Richard Jefferson and Brian Scalabrine were teammates in NJ 01-05
Ray Allen played for the Bucks from 1996-2002
Bucks trainer Marc Boff was an assistant trainer for the Celtics for 8 years
Celtics' assistant coach Armond Hill played for the Bucks 82-83
Game NotesThe Celtics lead the all time series between these two clubs 89-88. This is the third meeting this year with the Celtics winning both games in November, one in Boston and one in Milwaukee.
The Bucks are currently in the 8th spot in the East only 1/2 game ahead of Chicago. Even though they have a losing record overall at 30-38, they have a winning record at home at 19-13. They are just 3-7 in their last 10 games.
X-FactorFocus and Desire
The Celtics have Rondo back and healthy and we saw sparks of Marbury and Moore starting to get it in the Memphis game. However, they came out sluggish and didn't pull it together until the second half. The Celtics need to come out with some sense of urgency and prove they want the game more. This is a very winnable game if they keep their focus and want it more.