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Boston Celtics (14-29) at Wizards (20-20)
Regular Season Game #44, Road Game #23
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
7:00 PM ET
TV: CSN-NE, Comcast Sportsnet, NBA-LP 758(DTV)/752(Xfinity)
Radio: WBZ, WFED AM
Verizon Center
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Gerald Wallace
SF: Jeff Green
PF: Jared Sullinger
C: Kris Humphries
Celtics ReservesKelly Olynyk
Brandon Bass
Vitor Faverani
Phil Pressey
Joel Anthony
Chris Johnson
Vander Blue
InjuriesKeith Bogans (personal) out
Jerryd Bayless (toe)) out
Avery Bradley (ankle) questionable
Brandon Bass (?) probable
PG: John Wall
SG: Bradley Beal
SF: Trevor Ariza
PF: Nene
C: Marcin Gortat
Wizards ReservesMartell Webster
Garrett Temple
Kevin Seraphin
Otto Porter
Eric Maynor
Chris Singleton
Jan Vesely
InjuriesAl Harrington (knee) out
Glen Rice, Jr (wrist) out
Trevor Booker (ankle) questionable
Game Notes The Celtics visit the Wizards for the 2nd of 4 games between these two teams this season. The Celtics lost to the Wizards 106-99 in Boston in their first meeting.
The Celtics are playing in back to back games and so fatigue may become a factor in this game. With Gortat and Nene in the front line, the Celtics may struggle to get tot he basket and grab rebounds. The Celtics bigs are going to need to hustle and be very aggressive to get anything.
Avery Bradley went down with a sprained ankle in Tuesday's game and is doubtful for this game. If he can't play, the Celtics will very much miss his defense on Beal and they will be short handed at the two guard position.
They are signing Vander Blue of the D League to a 10 day contract and expect him to be with the team for this game. Chris Johnson, also on a 10 day contract came up big for the Celtics against the Heat and hopefully will have another big game in this one.
Key Matchups vs
Rajon Rondo vs John Wall
Wall is playing very well, averaging 20.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists. Rondo will need to slow him down and also make him work on the defensive end.
vs
Avery Bradley vs Bradley Beal
Avery will have his hands full with Beal, who is averaging 17.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists. With Avery's improved offense, he should make Beal work on defense as well.
Keys to the GamePlay 48 Minutes - The Celtics have been getting off to fast starts and have closed strong but have let up in the middle. They need to play hard for 48 minutes and avoid the slumps.
Defense - The Celtics need to especially defend the 3 point line. Washington is one of the better 3-point shooting teams in the NBA. But they can't ignore the paint either as Gortat and Nene can go strong to the basket as can their guards. The Celtics need to play team defense as the Wizards have 6 players averaging 11 points or more per game so they have to cover everyone.
Move the Ball - The Celtics play their best when they move the ball and find the open man. They play their worst when they over dribble and each player tries to do too much. They need to keep the ball moving, including getting up the floor quickly before the defense gets set.
X-Factors
Fatigue and InjuriesThe Celtics are playing in the second of back to back games after a tough game in Miami on Tuesday so fatigue may be a factor for them. Avery Bradley and Brandon Bass both left the game with injuries. If they can't go, the Celtics will be short handed.
Topic: Celtics (14-29) at Wizards (20-20) Game #44 1/22/14 (Read 41366 times)