Celtics (1-2) at Pacers (1-3) Game #4 11/4/15

[slamtheking]

This game is a must-win or we aren't what we are cracked up to be.

we're a loooonnnngggg way from any must-win situations.  we're still at the point where wins and losses should be taken with a grain of salt.  a number of teams have records much better/worse than what they were expected to have at this point. 

we're about where I'd figure we'd be after 3.  we beat the one team we should beat and lost to 2 teams that are better than us (at least based on how I figure the end records to be)

with that said, I've saying Indy and Boston will be fighting it out for the 8th seed.  tonight's game should provide an interesting measuring stick.  based on PG's results so far this season, I think the C's  are more than likely to win.

[jpotter33]

So what are the chances Stevens doesn't change the frontcourt starting lineup tonight? I'm fine with keeping Lee in there, but you have to have Amir in there if so. I'd preferably start KO and Amir, but I'm not sure that works tonight with Indy's small-ball lineup.

With their small-ball, I wonder if he inserts Turner in there to replace Zeller and guard Miles.

[KeepRondo]

So what are the chances Stevens doesn't change the frontcourt starting lineup tonight? I'm fine with keeping Lee in there, but you have to have Amir in there if so. I'd preferably start KO and Amir, but I'm not sure that works tonight with Indy's small-ball lineup.

With their small-ball, I wonder if he inserts Turner in there to replace Zeller and guard Miles.

Maybe IT4 and Amir with Zeller and Smart going to the bench.

[Evantime34]

Well there will be a change in the starting lineup tonight...

Smart is out with a sprained big toe. Idk where this came from.

Wouldn't be surprised if we see Rozier and/or Hunter tonight.

[jpotter33]

Well there will be a change in the starting lineup tonight...

Smart is out with a sprained big toe. Idk where this came from.

Wouldn't be surprised if we see Rozier and/or Hunter tonight.

Ugghh, always something. Stevens just said a day or so ago that Hunter will get his shot soon. I'm guessing tonight we'll see one or both of them, especially if both Bradley and Smart are out.

[SHAQATTACK]

Smart or IT is the last two can afford to,loose and expect to,win.

Oh my god .......that means Turner ......lots,of his sorry good for nothing scrub tail on the court ....he is tank driver all by himself.

Turner please quit the team ...do us a favor .


So Turner will spot Indy a 25 point lead ....with his stupid turn overs and bricks

Then CBS will bring in Hunter and Rozier TOO late to save the day.

[alewilliam789]

Starting 5 tonight:
PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Avery Bradley
SF: Jae Crowder
PF: Jared Sullinger
C: Amir Johnson

Smart out with a sprained toe. I think the switch up in big men was coming either way. I'm excited to see how Rozier looks coming off the bench in regular season!!

[littleteapot]

Good opportunity to see what Thomas can do as a starting guard against a pretty good defensive team with a tough mark in Hill. A lot of arguments on this site may be settled.

[jpotter33]

Good, at least we got a new frontcourt starting. I really just hope that Monta and/or Hill doesn't dominate IT tonight with his size.

[ACF]

TP. Go Celtics!

[ImShakHeIsShaq]

Got [dang] it, not Smaht! Waited to say it all late! Why us??

[fairweatherfan]

The new frontcourt is welcome news.  Interested to see Sully banging with Paul George on offense.

Wonder whether Brad will have IT checking Hill or Monta.  Monta seems like the better fit but he's got a better chance of lighting it up, so Bradley's better D also makes some sense.

Mahinmi is also hurt (he may play though) so the Pacers may be awfully thin up front.  Turner is an intriguing prospect but is probably not ready to defend strong big men like Sully and Amir.  Our big men might actually be an advantage this game!

[PhoSita]

Will be interesting to see how Isaiah manages defensively.


Moving Lee and Zeller out of the starting lineup makes sense.  Those guys just didn't have the space necessary to work. 

I think I can see what Stevens thought would allow those two to succeed together, but it became apparent pretty quickly that they weren't going to.

[fairweatherfan]

I think I can see what Stevens thought would allow those two to succeed together, but it became apparent pretty quickly that they weren't going to.

Probably the least successful roll of the dice by Stevens since Avery Bradley: starting PG and primary ballhandler.

[positivitize]

Aw yeah! Gametime! Lets go C's!