Game 38 Preview Vs. Boston Celtics
by Sebastian Pruiti
Jan 13, 2010 2009-2010 Open Thread, Game Previews, Nets vs. Celtics
Before we get to the game preview, a quick little NetsAreScorching note. We have been getting a lot more commenters (which is in fact awesome), and this is leading to a lot of different comments with a lot of different opinions and viewpoints. There has been a little quipping back and forth between commenters. We just wanted to remind you to check out the commenting constitution (link up top). While we love having awesome Nets’ discussion, we don’t want to have petty arguments and such in our comments. Thanks guys.
Onto the game, the Nets are coming off some good performances, and if you are going to beat the Boston Celtics, this is your best chance. Both Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace are out, and Marquis Daniels (averaging about 6 PPG) is also out. Brian Scalabrine is starting for the Celtics, that is a bit of a downgrade from the Garnett/Wallace combo. Onto the match-ups:
Devin Harris vs. Rajon Rondo
Rajon Rondo is an incredible player. He is so fast and athletic that he can get into the lane and do whatever he wants when he gets there. He is also a factor when it comes to getting offensive boards, so he will definitely be a pain in the ass. One quick note on Devin, yesterday when he was asked why he is playing when he calls himself about 80% he said something along the lines of I owe it to the team to play. Yes, he might not be a true point or a vocal leader, but this guy is definitely a guy that leads by example and every team needs that.
Advantage: Rajon Rondo
Courtney Lee vs. Ray Allen
Here is a perfect example of why the Celtics are so dangerous. Normally I could see Lee switching off to cover Rondo while Devin would go cover the 2-guard. You can’t do that with the Celtics, because Ray Allen is just as dangerous as Rondo, so Lee needs to stick with him.
Advantage: Ray Allen
Chris Douglas-Roberts vs. Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce has been hurting as of late, but he is still a great player, and when he gets the ball on the elbow, he is almost unstoppable. CDR’s lack of size against guys like Pierce worries me, but it hasn’t really hurt him in the past. I am hoping that can continue.
Advantage: Paul Pierce
Yi vs. Brian Scalabrine
I would love to see “New Yi” go up against Garnett (it definitely would have lead to a fight), but Yi has a bit of an advantage against Scalabrine. If Yi starts making his shots, Scalabrine is going to have to come out on him, and this is where new aggressive Yi will take over.
Advantage: Yi
Brook Lopez vs. Kendrick Perkins
Brook is coming off of a big game, but I am worried he might be held in check tonight. Kendrick Perkins is the exact guy who gives him trouble. Perkins is a strong and tough player who is able to get Brook to catch the ball outside his comfort range. I would actually like to see the handoff play the Nets run used a lot tonight, because that will force Perkins to concentrate on something else besides just pushing Brook out of the lane.
Advantage: Push – Note: I don’t think Perkins is as good as Brook, but Perkins can limit him to the same production that Perk will give the Celtics. Does that make sense?
January 13th, 2010 at 7:40 PM
Might we see a little T-Will tonight or is he still out of the rotation for his sleep in?
January 13th, 2010 at 7:47 PM
Fight for position Brook. He’s already floating on the outside.
January 13th, 2010 at 7:51 PM
Why hasn’t Perkins got an elbow to the neck yet?
January 13th, 2010 at 7:54 PM
Can we trade Lopez for Perkins?
January 13th, 2010 at 7:58 PM
I repeat… why isn’t there a Celtics player writhing around on the ground in pain?
January 13th, 2010 at 8:04 PM
Couldn’t agree more if you’re going to foul every position make it count.
January 13th, 2010 at 8:10 PM
Excellent defensive quarter, I’m inspired. I wish KG and Sheed were playing so the nets could shut them down too.
January 13th, 2010 at 8:13 PM
Hey, we’re only down 16! COMEBACK!
OOPS. I mean 19.
January 13th, 2010 at 8:18 PM
I have watched many, many Nets games over the years, but this performance has to be one of the worst.
January 13th, 2010 at 8:19 PM
Big Baby has to be one of the odest looking players in the nba, he’s no Charles Barkley in terms of ability but still how is that heavy lumbering style effective.
January 13th, 2010 at 8:21 PM
I’m pretty sure Big Baby was in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome.
I think he was “Blaster”.
Yes. We’re reduced to cracking on the Celtics’ players aesthetics.
January 13th, 2010 at 8:21 PM
Toss up between this and the game agaisnt Toronto which looked like high school vs junior high. Or ever you saw the kindergarten basketball episode of how I met your mother that works too.
January 13th, 2010 at 8:24 PM
After the last game and now with our players back and some of their out I thought the nets might make a game of this. Not win but make a game of it. Guess not.
January 13th, 2010 at 8:32 PM
Speaking of Aethetics Josh Boone and Salb should compette for funny looking players of the game.
Surprise the mild knock on the knee wasn’t bad enough to put Pierce on the bench not looking for the dramatics of pretend injuries in the finals?
January 13th, 2010 at 8:36 PM
Well at least the offense is clicking whats that 9 or 10 point in the period with two miuntes left and shooting just shy of 20% I guess.
January 13th, 2010 at 8:42 PM
At this point you have to admire the Celtics for their class. Nets fault for being careless.
January 13th, 2010 at 8:42 PM
I guess.
January 13th, 2010 at 8:47 PM
this is terrible man, how can pro ball players perform like this ? its getting outta hand and i hate how kiki just sits around doing nothing, get up and scream or something. motivate these suckers to compete
January 13th, 2010 at 8:58 PM
i dont think ive ever watched a half that bad
January 13th, 2010 at 9:06 PM
What’s this? DEFENSE?!
January 13th, 2010 at 9:07 PM
I feel a little better with this half right now.
January 13th, 2010 at 9:09 PM
Brook has really improved his passing this year.
January 13th, 2010 at 9:10 PM
Lopez slams it down. I’m easy to please it seems.
January 13th, 2010 at 9:21 PM
Ok Terrance can run real fast. Very nice aceleration. If he can get his head on straight, do the little things like we thought he would and with a little help/ correct handling he can be a real nice player.
January 13th, 2010 at 9:30 PM
Ok so if we keep the focuc maybe we can get some momentum for Triday against Indiana.
January 13th, 2010 at 9:38 PM
Somone should make a best of funny comments from nets announcers. Esp Jim and Ian Eagle comedy gold.
January 13th, 2010 at 10:01 PM
Can we please not get blown out by the Pacers? Getting destroyed by good teams is okay, considering our record. Getting blown out by the Bucks, Raptors, etc. hurts my soul too much.