Short-handed Celtics' Shooting for a Green Christmas in Orlando

Short-handed Celtics’ Shooting for a Green Christmas in Orlando
December 24, 2009 by admin

Image Courtesy of NBAe/Getty Images

The Celtics must perform this Christmas. With Paul Pierce now hurt, the team must deliver a Christmas miracle. They have to beat the team right behind them in the East, the Orlando Magic. Though they are 4-1 in their last five, the C’s have faced sub-par competition and now without their closer, it looks cloudy.

Boston must get Ray Allen great looks to score the entire game. That’s the only way to win. He must be hot, so when the game is on the line, he can get a shot, in rhythm and seal the game for a big Christmas present. KG must also have a monster game. But, his impact needs to be more defensive, he just has to rebound, change shots and occasionally drop a bucket here and there. Rajon Rondo also must use his newly found scoring prowess if the Celtics should take this game. His free throws must go down and he must play a near perfect game offensively.

The good news about this game is the Celtics should be able to keep Dwight Howard under control. Dwight’s said that Kendrick Perkins defends him better than anyone else and I can’t disagree with him (Dwight was held to nine points back on November 20th). He forces him off of his spots and makes his offense very difficult. Also, when Dwight has a tough go offensively, he tends to get frustrated. That will be a way the Celtics can force him to pick up fouls and possibly spoil his Christmas. Perkins must also stay out of foul trouble.

The Celtics must find a way to have an advantage of the bench. Back when the teams played on November 20th, the Celtics were +7 in bench points. With their depth now depleted with the loss of Pierce and Marquis Daniels, it will be a struggle to maintain that advantage. Guys like Tony Allen, Scal and Eddie House must bring some offensive firepower tonight. At the very least, they have to equalize what the Magic bench does.

One guy off the Magic bench I wanted to highlight here is J.J. Redick. He’s been on fire this season, he’s really become an NBA player. He plays Ray Allen well when they faced each other in last years playoffs. That will be a matchup to watch tomorrow.

Boston must come out tomorrow and try to steal one. They should be mad about the injuries, but take it out on the Magic. If they get angry enough, they can take this game. But really I see too much jolly Christmas buzz being in the air for their Grinch to overcome the glee.

Happy holiday’s, NSS readers!