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OrlandoMagic (36-25) at Boston Celtics (36-26)
Wednesday, April 18
8:00 PM ET
Regular Season Game #63, Home Game #31
TV: ESPN, NBAC, FSFL, CSNNE
Radio: WEEI, WDBO
TD Garden 
Probable Starting Matchups Point Guard
vs
Rajon Rondo vs Jameer Nelson
Shooting Guard 
vs
Avery Bradley vs JJ Redick
Small Forward 
vs
Paul Pierce vs Jason Richardson
Power Forward 
vs
Brandon Bass vs Ryan Anderson
Center
vs
Kevin Garnett vs Glen Davis
Celtics ReservesMarquis Daniels
Ryan Hollins
Mickael Pietrus
Greg Siemsma
Sasha Pavlovic
Ray Allen
E'Twaun Moore
JaJuan Johnson
Keyon Dooling
InjuredJermaine O'Neal (wrist) out
Pierce (foot) probable
Rondo (back) questionable
Mickael Pietrus (knee) out
Ray Allen (ankle) game time decision
Magic Reserves Chris Duhon
Von Wafer
Quentin Richardson
Earl Clark
Justin Harper
Larry Hughes
Daniel Orton
DeAndre Liggins
Ishmael Smith
Daniel Orton
InjuriesHedo Turkoglu (eye) out
Dwight Howard (back) out
Glen Davis (knee) probable
Game Notes This is the 3rd and final game between these two teams. The Celtics lead the series 2-0. Orlando got a big win over the Sixers on Monday and were off on Tuesday. The Celtics are playing in the second of back to back games after a tough game vs the Knicks on Tuesday.
The Magic have been hit hard with injuries. Dwight Howard is resting the bulging disc in his back and Hedo Turkoglu is out with a fractured eye socket courtesy of a Carmelo Anthony elbow. Big Baby missed the last game after hyperextending his knee on Sunday. He is listed as questionable for this game but is saying he plans to play.
The Knicks were very physical and the Celtics came away bruised and beaten. Rondo landed hard on his back and that could spell trouble for the Celtics in this game and in the playoffs if he injured his back. Doc should probably sit him for this one. Pierce came up limping several times in the game as well but played through it. Pietrus is expected to miss this game and Ray will be a game time decision.
The Celtics could have clinched the division with a win over New York since the Sixers lost to the Pacers and they will get another chance to clinch the division in this game if they can get a win. The Celtics are now 1/2 game behind both Atlanta and Orlando who are in the 5th and 6th spots. The Celtics need this win and another on Friday if they want home court in the first round.
With Pierce playing 43 minutes, KG playing 34 minutes and Rondo playing 34 minutes and getting banged up by the physical play of the Knicks, it's hard to say who will play in this game and even harder to say how much they can give.
Key Matchups 
vs
Brandon Bass vs Ryan Anderson
Anderson has been playing very well and is coming off a 26 point (11-16) 16 rebound effort against the Sixers. He is tough to cover because he is a very good 3 point shooter along with being able to post up. Bass will have his hands full in this game. Hopefully team defense will be able to help out and keep Anderson from having another big game. They especially need to stay with him beyond the arc. We don't want him hitting 19 wide open 3's now, do we?
vs
Rajon Rondo vs Jameer Nelson
It's another game on national TV and that's where Rondo always shines the brightest. However, Rondo came down very hard on his back in Tuesday's game vs the Knicks and may be sore and have limited mobility in this one. Rondo should have a big game vs Nelson but his back may limit him, if he even plays. Whoever guards Nelson needs to keep him off the 3 point line. I don't want a repeat of the 3 point barage that we saw last night.
Honorable Mention Kevin Garnett vs Big Baby Davis
Big Baby missed the Magic's last game with a hyperextended knee. He has said there's no way he will miss this game and is expected to start with Howard still out. KG has a size advantage (up and down, of course) on Big Baby and so he should be able to get his shot off over him. They know each others' games very well and that could be a factor also.
Keys to the GamePlay Smart for 48 Minutes - The Celtics must come out strong and play well throughout the game. They can't afford a sluggish start and they can't afford the offensive droughts that they have had in some games this season.
Defense - Defense is the key to winning. Period. The Celtics have shown that they have the capability of shutting down teams in spurts and when they play tough defense, the offense runs more smoothly. But when they falter on defense, it seems as though their game suffers on both ends. The Celtics must defend the perimeter as the Magic have guys that can hit the 3 and they must also defend the paint as they also have guys who can take it to the hoop. The Celtics left the Knicks open on the 3 point line the entire game in NY and they also left the lane open for Tyson Chandler to dunk all night long. They have to do a better job on defense.
Rebound - Rebounding is so important to prevent second chance points and fast breaks. The Celtics have been doing much better on the boards since the All Star break and it takes effort. The Celtics have to make an effort as a team to crash the boards and win the rebounding battle.
Be Aggressive - The Celtics have to be aggressive from start to finish. They have to take the ball to the hoop and not settle for jumpers, especially if the jumpers aren't falling and since they are playing back to back, the jumpers probably won't fall. They also have to be aggressive in going after loose balls and rebounds as well.
X-FactorsHome Court, Fatigue, and Injuries
After being on the road for the past 4 games the Celtics are finally home. They will be tired after a tough game against the Knicks on Tuesday but being home should give them a boost. It's unclear if Rondo will be able to play. Ray's status is also in the air. Pietrus is doubtful and Pierce should probably sit and rest that foot.
Topic: Magic (36-25) at Celtics (36-26) 4/18 (Read 33976 times)