Ali-Frazier II

When the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles met on January 22, 1986, the Lakers actually had the better record, largely because the Lakers had been feasting off an inferior Western Conference. The Celtics won the game, and handily.

The Celtics immediately went on a winning streak, and the Lakers went on a losing streak.

After the Pistons win over the Celtics in Boston, both teams went on winning streaks, the Pistons continued their streak, now at 11, and Boston began an eight-game streak of their own.

Push comes to shove tonight in Detroit.

Detroit's bench, which might be getting more ink than Boston's Big three of late, is good. But if you compare the box scores from last night's game, Boston's bench actually played more minutes. What is missing from Boston's bench is an impactful big. The battle of the benches will be important.

Rajon Rondo might hold the keys to the game. Mired in an 11-31 slump, Rondo's ineffectiveness during the second half of Ali-Frazier I allowed Billups and the Pistons to have their way and get the win. Rondo needs to be aggressive, force Billups to chase him around, and get Billups in foul trouble if possible. Most importantly, Rondo needs to show he can take his game to the next level in matchups like these.

Pierce and Garnett are better than anyone on Detroit's roster, and they need to play that way tonight. Several pundits have observed that Pierce might have played his way into Top-Ten status, and I wouldn't disagree. He is starting to have his Larry-Legend moments, and Larry Legend, you will recall, played his best ball during the dog days of January and February.

No one is sure what is wrong with Ray Allen. His 0-9 offering last night represented rock bottom for Jesus. I wouldn't say he needs a big game for the Celtics to win, but it sure would help. On the other hand, another 2-13 or 4-16 night from Shuttlesworth might kill any chances for Celtics victory in Motown.

Bottom Line:

Boston's Big three needs to play big and outplay Detroit's more balanced team.

Talent wins in the NBA, but that talent must translate into playmaking on the floor.