You could argue that the win in Cleveland was bigger. But it was the first game of the year, Cleveland lost, and they've recovered nicely since, making that first game almost meaningless. You could argue that the win in Orlando was bigger, and, indeed, it was nice payback for the loss they inflicted on us at home. But we won in Orlando without KG last year in the playoffs, and the Poodles still have that "not ready for prime time" feel about them.
On the other hand, we know the Hawks can give us trouble in the playoffs, as evidenced two years ago, when they took a younger, healthier, and more dominant Celtics team to 7 games in the first round. Now the Hawks have a win under their belts against us in Boston, something they couldn't accomplish any time in the last two years. So Boston really needs to return the favor tonight, and then hold serve Monday when Atlanta comes to the Gahden. We lose tonight, and all of a sudden Monday's game gives Atlanta the opportunity to go up 3-0 against us, and that wouldn't be a good thing against a very likely playoff opponent.
I might also add that Cleveland just beat Atlanta twice in two nights, so anything less than two wins for Boston should be frowned upon.
Vegas has Atlanta favored by three.
| Gameday Matchup | |||||||
| W-L | PF | PA | HOME | ROAD | STK | L10 | |
| BOS | 25-8 | 100.9 | 93.2 | 11-4 | 14-4 | W2 | 6-4 |
| ATL | 22-12 | 104.4 | 97.8 | 13-4 | 9-8 | W1 | 4-6 |
| Injury Report |
| BOSTON |
| · Paul Pierce SF - Jan 6: Day-to-Day · Kendrick Perkins C - Jan 6: Day-to-Day · Rajon Rondo PG - Jan 6: Day-to-Day · Marquis Daniels SG - Jan 6: OUT · Kevin Garnett PF - Jan 6: OUT · Eddie House PG - Jan 6: Day-to-Day |
| ATLANTA |
| No significant injuries |
| |
| Depth Chart | ||
| POS | BOSTON (PPG) | ATLANTA (PPG) |
| PG | ||
| SG | ||
| SF | ||
| PF | ||
| C | ||
| · View full depth chart · Team rosters: Boston | Atlanta | ||
| Team Stat Leaders | ||
| BOSTON | ATLANTA | |
| Points | P. Pierce 18.1 | J. Johnson 21.5 |
| Rebounds | K. Perkins 8.1 | A. Horford 9.9 |
| Assists | R. Rondo 9.6 | J. Johnson 4.9 |
| Steals | R. Rondo 2.6 | J. Smith 1.6 |
| Blocks | K. Perkins 2.0 | J. Smith 2.2 |
| · Team stats: Boston | Atlanta | ||
10 comments:
Agree that this is a big game. The Hawks matchup well against the Celtics and tend to give us problems with their athleticism. Hopefully Pierce has shaken off the rust from his injury because we need more from him in this game than we got in Miami (despite Doc playing him 40+ minutes). We'll also need another aggressive game from Rondo. Hopefully the low post Sheed shows up and not the 3 point chucker Sheed. Also the bench MUST get it done in this game.
and a dominant game from Perk wouldn't hurt!
to me the 2 with the fakers are bigger...
Right.
I meant up to this point.
I was kind of looking forward to seeing what TA could do tonight. But looks like he may not play.
I'm lost to how the Lakers games can possibly more important when it's not even a given that the C's will come out of the East. It's also the same for LA though the West is easier for them.
Kid, you read my blog, right?
How much do I dislike the Ls?
That's why the Lakers game are more important.
We don't get out the East if we don't beat Atlanta, Cleveland or the others. We could beat the Lakers by 40 and it will mean nothing with an early playoff loss.
Well, they flunked that test. No heart last night.
I don't expect people that grew up after the 80s to understand. But here is the pecking order.
1. Celtics championship.
2. non-Lakers championship.
3. Sweeping the regular season series against the Ls.
That's the order of priority for old-timers like me.
Post a Comment