Game 61 Preview: Boston Celtics (34-25) at Nets (22-38)

Bill Simmons (in number 7 of his article) says that the Nets could have traded for this guy instead of Gerald "Crash" Wallace, I'm not convinced.

Coming off their second road win over the Philadelphia 76ers in as many games, the Nets look to knock off another Atlantic Division foe in the 1st-place Boston Celtics. Unlike the Nets, the Celtics are right in the middle of the Eastern Conference playoff race and currently hold the 4th-seed. This game, as is every game for the rest of the season,  is extremely crucial for Boston because they are tied with the 6th-seeded Orlando Magic and are only three games ahead of the 7th- and 8th-seeded Knicks and 76ers.

Background on Boston

As we Nets fans know very well, the Celtics are an older team but have some of the best veterans that the NBA can offer. With the core of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and the younger Rajon Rondo, Boston boasts the ability to score in multiple ways in addition to playing some of the defense in the league. I know, not a great matchup for the Nets but at least Ray Allen is a gametime decision with a sore ankle. Optimism!

Previous Game

Last night in Toronto, Boston blew an early lead and fell to the lowly Raptors in a game that really hurt their playoff seeding. After holding the Raptors to just 13 points in the 1st quarter, the Celtics just fell apart in the 2nd and 3rd quarter, being outscored 44-27 over those 24 minutes. The 4th quarter wasn't a lot better for the Celtics found themselves down by as much as 17 points and when they turned their play around late in the period, it was too late.


The Nets had a much better result from their game last night as they handled the 76ers in Philadelphia by a score of 95-89. The Nets took the lead in the season series 2-1 on the strength of 23 points from Gerald Green, 22 points from Marshon Brooks, and yet another double-double for both Kris Humphries and Deron Williams. The Nets just hung around with Philly long enough throughout the game and finally broke through and took the lead in the 4th quarter. Of course, they would go on to hold that lead for the remainder, en route to a big win.

Probable Lineups

BOS- Rondo (PG), Bradley (SG), Pierce (SF), Bass (PF), Garnett (C)
NJN- D.Williams (PG), Brooks (SG), Stevenson (SF), Humphries (PF), She. Williams (C)

Three Keys to a Nets Win

1. Ride the Marshon train- Play off of the rookie's recent good performances and see if he can provide the explosiveness on the offensive end that we have come to expect from him.

2. Win the rebounding battle- Losing the rebounds didn't hurt the Nets that much last night but it will hurt them if they lose it again tonight. Boston punishes teams for giving them extra shot opportunities which is something that the Mets just can't afford to have happen.

3. Keep playing Armon Johnson and Jordan Williams- This isn't as much of a key to win but it is a key to developing the younger talent that is on the Nets roster. Williams, and possibly Johnson, will be on the Nets next season and if given the proper playing time in games that count like tonight, they will gain the necessary experience needed to become solid NBA players.