at
Brooklyn Nets (45-32) at Boston Celtics (40-37)
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
8:00 PM ET
Regular Season Game #78, Home Game #40
TV: ESPN, CSNNE, WWOR, NBAC
Radio: WEEI, WFAN
TD Garden 
Probable Starters PG
SG
SF
PF
C
PG: Avery Bradley
SG: Paul Pierce
SF: Jeff Green
PF: Brandon Bass
C: Kevin Garnett
Celtics ReservesJason Terry
Courtney Lee
Jordan Crawford
Chris Wilcox
Shavlik Randolph
DJ White
Terrence Williams
Injuries Rajon Rondo (knee) out
Jared Sullinger (back) out
Red Claws Fab Melo
Probable StartersPG
SG
SF
PF
C
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Joe Johnson
SF: Gerald Wallace
PF: Reggie Evans
C: Brook Lopez
Nets ReservesCJ Watson
Mirza Teletovic
Kris Humphries
Jerry Stackhouse
Tyshaun Taylor
MarShon Brooks
Andray Blatche
Keith Bogans
Tornike Shengelia
Kris Joseph
Injuries None
Game Notes This is the 4th and final regular season meeting between these two division rivals. The Nets came out ahead in the first game 102-97 at the new Barclays Center, ending the Celtics 3 game win streak. The Nets also won the first meeting in Boston 95-83. The Celtics got a 93-76win in Brooklyn on Christmas Day in their third meeting. These two teams split a pair of preseason games with the Nets winning 97-96 at the Garden and the Celtics winning 115-85 in their very first ever trip to the Barclays Center.
The Celtics are 4-6 in their last 10 games but struggled with injuries with KG and Pierce both missing games. The Nets are 6-4 in their last 10. The Nets are 21-17 on the road and have struggled to beat the better teams on the road. However, their 21 road wins sets a new franchise record. Their previous high was 20 in 2005-06. They have won their last 2 games. The Celtics are 27-12 at home and are looking for their second straight win.
The Nets are playing in the second of back to back games. They played at home on Tuesday night, beating Philly by 21 points. The Nets have a 6-5 record in the second game of home and road back to back games this season.
The playoff picture still isn't set in the East. The Nets are in the 4th spot 3 games in front of Chicago (5th) and 3.5 games behind the Pacers (2nd). They will more than likely stay in 4th but their opponent is still up in the air with Chicago just half a game in front of Atlanta and 2 games in front of Boston. The Celtics are still in 7th, 1.5 games behind Atlanta for 6th and 2 games behind Chicago for 5th. They have opened up a 3 game lead on Milwaukee, who are in 8th.
This will be a test for the Celtics newly revamped starting lineup. Doc will also get a chance to further solidify his playoff rotation in this one. There is no love lost between these two teams, as the brawl in their last game in Boston proved. Hopefully they can get through this one without any hard fouls or injuries and, of course, hopefully the Celtics can get the win and even up the series.
Key Matchups
vs
Avery Bradley vs Deron Williams
Williams is averaging 18.7 points, 7,7 assists and 3.1 rebounds this season and is always an offensive threat. Avery's defense will definitely be needed in this game to try to contain Williams and to keep their offense from getting into their sets quickly
vs
Paul Pierce vs Joe Johnson
In the first meeting between these two teams, Johnson was 6-17 from the field for 19 points and he hit two huge shots down the stretch to give the Nets the win. He is averaging 16.3 points per game but always seems to hit big shots against the Celtics and Paul will need to work on defense to keep him from having a big game.
Honorable MentionKevin Garnett vs Brook Lopez
Lopez has been playing very well, averaging 19.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. He is dangerous if allowed to play close to the basket as he gets offensive rebounds and second chance points. KG and Shavlik have to keep him out of the paint and away from the basket as much as possible.
Keys to the Game Defense - The Celtics need to continue to tighten up their defense, especially in transition and on the pick and roll. he Nets have been tough on defense, holding teams to 95.0 points per game (5th in the league) The Celtics are 11th, allowing 96.4 points per game. The Celtics have to tighten up their defense as it is their defense that is going to set them apart from the rest of the league in the playoffs.
Bench Play - The Celtics need their reserves to continue to find their chemistry and to produce. The reserves have been playing well, but the Nets second unit has been outscoring their counterparts by 10.1 points per game. The Celtics reserves must contribute on both ends of the court if they want to win this game.
Rebound - The Celtics need to crash the boards in order to limit New Jersey's fast break points and second chance baskets. Both Reggie Evans and Brook Lopez have been big on the boards this season. The Celtics are still 29th in the league in rebounding while the Nets are 10th. We need to see a strong effort from every player on the team. When they put out the effort to win the battle of the boards, that often translates to the rest of their game.
Be Aggressive - The Celtics must be the more aggressive team. They have be aggressive in going to the basket and not settle for jumpers. They have to be aggressive on defense and in going after rebounds and loose balls. The Nets have been very aggressive this season and the Celtics need to match that.
X-FactorHome Court and Nets Back to Back
Although home court hasn't meant all that much in this series with each team winning on the opponent's court, the Garden is still a tough place for opponents to win. The Nets are playing in the second of back to back games and fatigue could be a problem for them down the stretch.
Topic: Nets (45-32) at Celtics (40-37) 4/10 (Read 52162 times)