Celtics (17-4) at Sixers (7-14) 12/9

[FLCeltsFan]

  at 
Boston Celtics (17-4) at Philadelphia 76ers (7-14)
Thursday, December 9
8:00 PM ET
Game #22, Road Game #11
TV:  TNT,  CSNNE,  TSN2
Radio:  WEEI,  WIP
Wachovia Center



Probable Starters

PG: Rajon Rondo..................................................SG Ray Allen

C:  Shaquille O'Neal

SF:  Paul Pierce ................................. ............PF Kevin Garnett

Coach: Doc Rivers

Boston Bench Mob
Marquis Daniels
Glen Davis
Luke Harangody
Nate Robinson
Von Wafer
Semih Erden
Avery Bradley

Injured
Kendrick Perkins (knee) out
Jermaine O'Neal (knee) out 
Delonte West (wrist) out
Rajon Rondo (hamstring, plantar fasciitis) probable
Nate Robinson (foot) probable
Shaquille O'Neal (knee) probable 




Probable Starters

PG: Jrue Holiday ......................................................SF:  Jodie Meeks

C:  Spencer Hawes

SF:  Andre Iguodala .................................................. PF:  Elton Brand

Sixers Bench
Thaddeus Young
Andres Nocioni
Lou Williams
Marreese Speights
Tony Battie
Jason Kapono
Craig Brackins
Darius Songaila 

Injuries
None

Key Matchups 
  vs 
Paul Pierce vs Andre Iguodala

  vs 
Kevin Garnett vs Elton Brand 

Keys to the Game
Defense
Rebound
Play 48 Minutes
Take it to the Hoop

Game Notes
Celtics face the division rival 76ers for the first time this season.   The fortunes of these two teams have changed since the days when Larry Bird and Doctor J went at each other.    Boston has won 10 of the past 12 games and Sixers have not won at home over the Celtics since 3/30/07 (six straight losses). 

The Celtics are 8-2 in their last 10 games while the Sixers are 4-6.  The Celtics are 6-3 on the road while the Sixers are 5-4 at home.  The Celtics are playing in the second of back to back games.  The Sixers last played on Tuesday vs Cleveland.  The Sixers have won three of their past four games after starting the season 3-13 and they have also won four straight at home.

X-Factor
Playing Down to Competition
The Celtics have played down to the level of their competition in the past.  The Sixers don't seem to pose much of a threat, but as with every team, they all seem to get up to play the Celtics.  Underestimating them will be a big mistake. 

[barefacedmonk]

Ugh..another back to back. I hope we play like we did against the Nets...get the starters some more rest.

TP FL.

[Tai]

I bet a lot of people will come in here saying that Rondo should sit. I don't think Doc would put Rondo out there if it's clear he can't. So instead of outright stating that Rondo should sit, I'll trust Doc and the medical staff on this.

[Drucci]

I bet a lot of people will come in here saying that Rondo should sit. I don't think Doc would put Rondo out there if it's clear he can't. So instead of outright stating that Rondo should sit, I'll trust Doc and the medical staff on this.

Rondo should sit.

I trust Doc and the staff but I tend to think Doc is prone to play his guys even when they should sit when he feels they are key to getting the win. He is only very cautious with KG, probably because of his injury in '09.

Anyway, it's definitely a trap game but I think we can win this one without Rondo, we just have to start the game well and then keep our lead.

TP FL and go Celtics!

[ACF]

Another GT, another TP.

Go Celtics!

[Who]

Phily have one of the worst collection of defensive big men in the league.

The Celtics should get a lot of easy baskets (and a blowout win) if they move the ball well.

[Kane3387]

Shaq will be out.

http://twitter.com/SeanGrandePBP/status/13014791660511233

Who should start, Semih or Baby?

[Edgar]

I think it will be game thread for me tonight
I dont have chat software updated in this computer and cant
program without an administrator pass
darn
hate work computers...lol


well

LETS PLAY!!!!!!

[indeedproceed]

I miss you, Kendrick Perkins.

[Edgar]

lol a little lost Erden

[Meadowlark_Scal]

glad to see Erden start..! Starting is a great boost to confidence, and they are using him on the offense..! I never saw brand play b4......

[angryguy77]

Love how nobody ran out to gaurd 3. Nice effort 

[Meadowlark_Scal]

Hmmmmm, rebounds........

[Neurotic Guy]

Have to comment on that sequence. No boxing out -- gave them 2 extra chances -- sixers just showing more desire for the ball.  Can't win undermanned if we don't have the desire.

[snively]

Very little energy exerted on D thus far.