Another outstanding preview from FLCeltFan. And she does this on a volunteer basis. No wonder she has the best TP / to post ratio on this board for a minimum of 500 posts.
My concerns are not whether the Celtics will come out fired up. I am pretty sure they will have their heads and hearts in this one. My biggest concern is playing and coaching with poise. This will be a hot tempered game and the referees are more likely to be involved (ie call fouls and get players in foul trouble). That will put more pressure on the poise factor.
Big positive check mark. The Celtics got things going once Sheed left the game in the 2nd Qtr.
Can we set picks for Ray and free him up for open looks and can Ray knock those down?
Ray has gotten free a little bit but not really enough to put a check in the Celtic corner
Can Perkins win his matchup with O'Neal?
Perkins was solid and played great defense and helped on blocking out. Check for the Celtics.
Can Stubby (Glen Davis or BBD) continue his excellence on the glass and drawing charges?
Stubby was the star of the half. Miami appeared to be funneling the game into him and in the 2nd qtr he made Miami pay. Two checks for the Celtics.
Can the Sheed find a useful role, like scoring on the blocks and move his feet on defense?
CTS - Cut the Sheed.
Can Rondo QB the offense and limit Turnovers that wreck our game?
Rondo did not hurt the team and the Celtics got better looks than Miami. Check to the Celtics.
If the answers to three or more questions is yes, than I think we will be in good shape and hold HCA.
The crowd will be on Quitton (He must never ever be called the Q for obvious reasons). His name is Quitton.
I think we are in good shape but these games are still 48 minutes long.