AT
Indiana Pacers (7-10) Boston Celtics (17-2)
Wednesday, December 2
7:30 PM
Game #20, Away Game #12
TV: CSN HD, FSI, LP NBA 3, LP 756
Radio: WEEI
TD Banknorth Garden ProbableStarting Matchups PointGuard vs
Rajon Rondo vs TJ Ford
Shooting Guard vs
Ray Allen vs Marquis Daniels
Small Forward vs
Paul Pierce vs Danny Granger
Power Forward vs
Kevin Garnett vs Troy Murphy
Center vs
Kendrick Perkins vs Rasho Nesterovic
Off the Bench Tony Allen
Glen Davis
Eddie House
Leon Powe
Gabe Pruitt
Brian Scalabrine
Patrick O'Bryant
Sam Cassell
InjuriesTony Allen (ankle) probable
Probable InactiveSam Cassell
D-LeagueJR Giddens
Bill Walker
Off the BenchJarrett Jack
Brandon Rush
Jeff Foster
Roy Hibbert
Maceo Baston
Stephen Graham
Josh McRoberts
Jamaal Tinsley
Injuries Travis Diener (foot) day to day
Mike Dunleavy (knee) out
Probable Inactive Jamaal Tinsley
Mike Dunleavy
Travis Diener
Matchups to Watch vs
Paul Pierce PPG 18.7 RPG 6.60 APG 3.4 EFF + 18.37
Danny Granger PPG 24.2 RPG 5.50 APG 2.4 EFF + 20.80
Danny Granger is one of the more exciting young players in the league. He looks poised to make another leap this season as he is averaging over 24 points per game this season. Paul Pierce has been playing very well and will remember the 20 points that Granger dropped on him in their last meeting.
vs
TJ Ford is one of the very few point guards who may be even faster than Rajon Rondo. They have played each other fairly even in the past with Rondo coming out ahead in some games and TJ coming out ahead in some games. Their last matchup was definitely TJ's turn to lead as he finished with 19 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals to just 2 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for Rondo. This is a fun matchup to watch.
Game NotesThe Celtics had won the last 3 games before losing to them in the Pacers' home opener this season. The Celtics lead the series 74-69 overall.
Of the 15 players on their opening night roster, only 8 were on the team at the end of last season. Two of the most notable changes are the loss of Jermaine O'Neal and the addition of TJ Ford.
The Pacers are among the league leaders in steals. The Celtics have to take good care of the ball or the Pacers will make them pay.
The Pacers are coached by former Celtics Coach Jim O'Brien who would love nothing better than to get the better of his former team. The Celtics will be looking to avenge their earlier loss to the Pacers but don't expect the Pacers to go down without a fight.
X Factor Vengeance and weariness.
The Celtics will be looking to avenge their 95-79 loss to the Pacers in their home opener. The Pacers played the Lakers the night before and will probably have to play hard to the end of the game. If the Celtics run, they can wear them out by the end of the game.