The Sting of Defeat

It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to lose to Atlanta on Wednesday. The Celtics haven't tasted defeat in more than a month. Last year the Celtics had several winning steaks upended, only to begin a new one the next game.

I hate to say it but I'd prefer that the Green not go into Staples riding a 19-game winning streak. I'd prefer that the sting of defeat be fresh in their mouths. On the other hand, the Atlanta game promises to have psychological dimensions, as the Celtics were 0-3 against them on the road in the first round of last year's playoffs.

After Atlanta, the schedule looks like this:

Fri, Dec 19  Chicago         7:30 PM 
Sun, Dec 21  NY Knicks       6:00 PM
Tue, Dec 23  Philadelphia    7:30 PM
Thu, Dec 25  @ LA Lakers     5:00 PM 
Fri, Dec 26  @ Golden State  10:30 PM
Sun, Dec 28  @ Sacramento    9:00 PM 
Tue, Dec 30  @ Portland      10:00 PM