Celtics and Knicks Clash in Battle of Defense vs Offense

Games — By FLCeltsFan on December 15, 2010 at 2:26 pm

Boston Celtics (19-4) at New York Knicks (16-9)
Wednesday, December 15
7:00 PM ET
Regular Season Game #24 – Road Game #13
TV: ESPN, CSNNE, MSG
Radio: WEEI
Madison Square Garden

Referees: Bill Kennedy, Courtney Kirkland, Leroy Richardson

This is the second meeting between these two divisional foes. The Celtics have been clear that they don’t consider the Knicks rivals, in spite of the history between these 2 storied franchises. In their first meeting, the Celtics came out on top 105-101 in Boston.

The Knicks have their offense in high gear and are averaging 107.7 points per game, second only to the Suns. But they are also allowing 106.6 points per game. The Celtics on the other hand have made defense their calling card. They score 100.7 points per game but allow only 91 points for their opponents.

The Celtics are on a 10 game win streak while the Knicks have an 8 game win streak of their own. The Celtics are still very short handed up front coming into this game with Shaq and Jermaine still out along with Perk and Delonte. The Knicks are almost at full strength with just Azubuike the only one out.

Probable Starters

Point Guard

Rajon Rondo vs Landry Fields

Shooting Guard

Ray Allen vs Raymond Felton

Small Forward

Paul Pierce vs Wilson Chandler

Power Forward

Kevin Garnett vs Danilo Gallinari

Center

Semih Erden vs Amare Stoudamire

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Boston Bench Mob

Marquis Daniels

Glen Davis

Luke Harangody

Nate Robinson

Von Wafer

Avery Bradley

Injured

Kendrick Perkins (knee) out

Jermaine O’Neal (knee) out

Delonte West (wrist) out

Shaquille O’Neal (knee,calf) out

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Knicks Bench

Shawne Williams

Bill Walker

Andy Rautins

Ronny Turiaf

Roger Mason Jr

Toney Douglas

Timofey Mosgov

Anthony Randolph

Eddie Curry

Injuries

Kelenna Azubuike (knee) out

Key Matchups

Rajon Rondo vs Landry Fields

The Knicks have moved Landry Fields from shooting guard to point guard and at 6’7″ he may give Rondo some problems on both ends of the court. On the other side of this, Ray Allen should have a slightly easier time with Raymond Felton guarding him. In the first meeting between these two clubs, Rondo notched a triple double with 10 points, 24 assists, and 10 rebounds while Fields notched his first double double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Semih Erden vs Amare Stoudamire

Semih will have a big test with Stoudamire playing center for the Knicks. Expect to see KG move over to guard Stoudamire while Erden takes Gallinari.

Keys to the Game

Defense - This will be the classic battle between offense vs defense. The Celtics must keep their defensive intensity throughout the entire game. They especially must guard the perimeter where the Knicks are second in the league in 3 pointers made. The Knicks are also 5th in points in the paint so the Celtics also have to take care of the paint as well.

Take it to the Hoop – The Celtics have been outscoring their opponents in the paint throughout their win streak. They must continue to take the ball inside and not just settle for outside shots. Good things happen when they are aggressive and taking the ball inside.

Take Care of the Ball The Knicks lead the league in points off os turnover at 19.4. The Celtics must take care of the ball and limit their turnovers in order to limit the Knicks from scoring off of them.

Rebound- The Celtics have to continue to crash the boards in order to limit the Knicks second chance points and fast break opportunities. The team that wins the rebounding battle will usually win the war because the effort they put out on the glass also affects the other areas of their game.