Watch for foul trouble tonight

[Vineet]

I'm not a big conspiracy theory guy.

But after the last game, Dwight Howard is going to demand the ball.  He's obviously going to get touches early.  And I have a feeling that the refs are going to give him some calls early. The NBA has an interest in promoting the greatness of D. Howard.  No that he said something in public, expect that to be the story of the game.

I'm not sure that this was a calculated move by Dwight, but look out for Perk to pickup a quick two in the first quarter. 

I hope that it is not the case, but if Perk is on the bench, Howard can really hurt the Cs. 

[Drucci]

Yeah, I think Howard will get touches early on and fouls on these plays even if there is no contact. Neither am I a conspiracy theory guy but it's the way it works in the NBA. When Doc complained about the fouls called on Perkins moving screens but not on Miller in the Chicago series, Perk finished game 5 with 0 foul. So I think Howard will benefit from some calls tonight but we'll see.

[BudweiserCeltic]

Let's hope Pierce gets Howard in foul trouble first.

[Chris]

Forget conspiracies.  The simple fact that the game is in Orlando, means that there is a very good chance that calls go their way.  It is just how the NBA works. 

[BostonBurbs]

Yes, I agree with your prediction, and I agree that the best way to counter it is to drive into Howard time and time again.

I don't really understand why Rondo doesn't drive into him consistently.  Who was it that does that every time he drives, and he gets the calls even if our big guys go straight up?  Everybody should drive into Howard.  Let's get him into foul trouble!

Go C's, and lets all watch Ray Allen light things up!

[CelticsWhat35]

I prefer the refs that let the teams play.  I know the Celtics are the better team, so I don't care if no one from the Magic is in foul trouble, as long as no one from the Celtics is either.

[RAcker]

Let 'em play and may the soft babies go home.  This is a man's game.

[QuinielaBox]

It is always a nagging thought. All our bigs get whistled for two fouls and we have to play a lineup of Mikki Moore, PP, RA, House and Marbury. Small ball is a recipe for disaster against this team.

[Celtic]

I don't know, I was expecting him to get a ton of calls in the last game and it didn't happen, we'll have to wait and see. Perk's defense has been excellent, maybe they're just gonna let him do his job, at least I hope.

[MetroGlobe]

I wonder if the C's never left their man on the perimeter, and dared Howard to beat them by himself, could he do it?  I really don't think he could.  He's just not gifted enough offensively (as a passer or a scorer) to generate 50+ points in field goals and assists.

This was the strategy Philly employed against them and had tremendous success.  Sure, Dwight got 30 pts and 20 rebs.  But the rest of the team struggled mightily.

So what if Perk played him tough, but not TOO tough?  And in doing so, he frees himself up more to help stop penetration and weakside shotblocking.  Because right now, he's pushing Dwight so far away from the basket, that it's opening up the lane for Rashard and Hedo to drive past their man to the basket.  I think I'd much rather if Perk came over to help in those situations, even if it means Howard gets some easy dunks underneath.

[connerhenry43]

a tommy point to the first person who lets us know who the refs are tonight. i just hope the word "bovetta" is not involved in that answer.

[hpantazo]

a tommy point to the first person who lets us know who the refs are tonight. i just hope the word "bovetta" is not involved in that answer.

Dick Bavetta. Dan Crawford, and Marc Davis

[Cman]

a tommy point to the first person who lets us know who the refs are tonight. i just hope the word "bovetta" is not involved in that answer.

Dick Bavetta. Dan Crawford, and Marc Davis

::sigh::

[CelticsWhat35]

a tommy point to the first person who lets us know who the refs are tonight. i just hope the word "bovetta" is not involved in that answer.

Dick Bavetta. Dan Crawford, and Marc Davis

Interesting fact.  Dick Bevetta actually started out his career as a major league baseball umpire.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjI7P74cAJA

[BudweiserCeltic]

You just ruined Enrico Pallazzo for me.