Tip: 7:30PM Court: Philips Arena Watch it: CSNNE Hear it: 98.5 Sport Hub
Referees: Steve Anderson, Mark Ayotte, Monty McCutchen
Spread: BOS +7.0
The Matchup
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| Record: 4-10 | Record: 9-6 |
| Away: 2-5 | At home: 7-2 |
| Streak: Lost 4 | Streak: Won 2 |
| Leaders | Leaders |
| Buckets: Green (17.6 ppg) | Buckets: Jeff Teague (18.0 ppg) |
| Boards: Sullinger (8.4 rpg) | Boards: Paul; Milsap (8.2 rpg) |
| Dimes: Rondo (10.5apg) | Dimes: Jeff Teague (7.2 apg) |
| For the Stat Geeks: | For the Stat Geeks: |
| Offensive Rating: 106.1 (17th NBA) | Offensive Rating: 109.8 (6th NBA) |
| Defensive Rating: 110.4 (27th NBA) | Defensive Rating: 107.8 (21st NBA) |
| Pace: 97.7 (3rd NBA) | Pace: 92.9 (12th NBA) |
Last time
In their last meeting Boston was defeated by Atlanta 105-97 marking the Celtics 13th straight road loss. Avery Bradley led all Celtics with 23 points while, Rondo had a good all around game scoring 19 points to go along with 12 assists and 4 rebounds. On the other side the Hawks were led by Jeff Teague who had 19 points and 8 assists, and Kyle Korver who had 17 points, shooting 4-6 from the three. Teague and Korver combined for 18 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals in the fourth quarter.
This time
Get it to: Rajon Rondo
If anyone can get this team out of a slump it’s the captain. Expect Rondo to attack Teague early and often, and with Atlanta not having any serious shot blockers there shouldn’t be much hesitation to taking it to the hoop.
Gotta stop: Jeff Teague
Teague is the team’s leading scorer, and distributor. With the Celtics struggling to contain guards on the perimeter Teague will most likely be looking to attack aggressively.
The Wild Card: Pero Antic
He was a healthy scratch from Atlanta’s last game against the Hornets, but i doubt he will against Boston. The Celtics have become prone to being exposed by backup bigs, and Pero Antic may just be our latest disappointment. With his ability to stretch the floor and Boston’s bigs unwillingness to defend the perimeter he could be in line for a big game.
How we see it goin’ down
Atlanta is playing fantastic at home and manages to score just has much as the Celtics do with just an average pace due to their more advanced halfcourt game. My mind is telling me to pick Atlanta, but after a tough stretch against some of the West Coasts elites, Boston understands that with a much easier month now is the time to take advantage of a weaker schedule. This sense of Urgency is why Boston will prevail in this game.
Celtics 103
Hawks 95
